Obituary of Robert A. Ricketts

Robert A. (Bob) Ricketts, 77, of Pine Grove Mills, PA, passed away May 11, 2015 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 10, 1938 in the small village of Utahville, PA to the late Orvis B. and Catherine (Tokarchik) Ricketts. Bob was fifth in birth order in a family of 10 children. He was preceded in death by two sisters, JoAnn Martin and Pauline Orichosky, and two brothers, Jack and Ronald Ricketts. He is survived by four brothers: George, Larry, Jerry, and Jim Ricketts, and one sister, Kay McClellan. Bob graduated from BCI High School in Coalport, PA. After high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, acquiring an excellent military record in many highly classified assignments. He served several years active duty, including a brief assignment with the 98th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and other notable assignments under the Air Defense Command, including being stationed in Labrador. After being honorably discharged from the USAF, Bob attended The Pennsylvania State University through the GI Bill, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Corrections. Several years later, his love of education prompted him to give back to Penn State by serving as a guest lecturer in Criminal Justice classes, representing PBPP at Career Day in the HUB, and mentoring Criminal Justice interns. He was a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association. Bob worked several years for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and nearly 30 years for the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. While with the PBPP, Bob created and implemented the first statewide Parole Education Program, which is still used today. On September 24, 1966 he married Mary Jane (Serafini) Ricketts, who survives at home. They were happily married for almost 49 years. He was the loving father of three daughters, Mary (Ed) Robert of State College, PA; Marcia (Doug) Sweitzer of Windsor, PA; and Melissa Ricketts (Doug Leitzell) of Mechanicsburg, PA. He was also a proud and loving grandfather to four grandchildren: Megan and Matthew Robert, and Terese and Nicolle Sweitzer. His family will greatly miss his constant encouragement, sense of humor, and his unwavering love. Bob was a member of the Pine Grove Mills VFW Post 5825. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed golfing, hiking, fly-fishing, camping, and hunting. He was also an accomplished guitar player, an excellent photographer, and loved the poetry of Robert Frost, particularly the poems that related to his youth. Bob was an avid Penn State sports fan, especially Penn State football, and he also enjoyed cheering for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Steelers. Most of all, Bob would say that he enjoyed spending time with his beloved family. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2015, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Father Neil Dadey officiating. A burial with full military honors will be at the Pine Hall Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society, 1375 Martin St #206, State College, PA 16803. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.