Obituary of John Charles Ricker

John C. Ricker John Charles Ricker, 82, of Ashtabula passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 4, 2018 at Silver Sands Shared Residency. Born May 30, 1936 in Nanty Glo, PA, the son of the late Carl and Ina E. (Panttila) Ricker. John graduated from Burton High School, Class of 1955. After high school, John went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1955-1959, ending his military career as an Airman 2nd Class. He then went on to live briefly in Mexico in order to become fluent in Spanish. John graduated in 1962 from Ohio with a Bachelors Degree of Science in Education, and then received his Masters Degree in English from Bowling Green University in 1970, graduating Valedictorian of his Class. John taught English at Chardon High School in 1962-1963, and then Jefferson High School from 1963 until his retirement in 1996. John also worked as a bartender on Saturday nights at the Conneaut Elks Lodge for 25 years. John married the love of his life Emily Frances Carroll on June 3, 1967 at St. Joseph Church in Ashtabula, Ohio. He enjoyed studying languages. He was multilingual and fluent in Spanish, German, Dutch, Afrikaans, and was an unofficial ambassador of Esperanto, The International Language. John was an avid high school and college football fan, making a tradition of posting scores on his children's doors so they had the details upon waking. He also enjoyed walking, reading, bowling, classic country music, and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Emily in 2016; brothers, William and Carl "Al" Ricker; sisters, Shirley Shefchuk, Ann Yuranko, and Jennie Troph; and his parents. John is survived by his children, Kat Ricker, William Ricker, Jon Ricker, and Thomas (Corrine) Ricker; grandchildren, Keera and Caiden Ricker; and brother, Paul (Martha) Ricker. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Inurnment will take place with his wife at Edgewood Cemetery. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Silver Sands where John made his home from 2015-2018. Their kindness, care and friendship were greatly appreciated by John and his family. Donations in his name can be directed to Silver Sands to be used to treat the staff for their kindness and care of John over the last three years. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com.