US Marine Corps Veteran, Frederic E. “Derf” Ricker Jr., of Coventry, Dies at 75
Iannotti Funeral Home
US Marine Corps Veteran, Frederic E. “Derf” Ricker Jr., of Coventry, Dies at 75
Born on March 28, 1946, in Brockton, MA, Derf was one of four children born to the late Frederic E. Ricker, Sr., and Una E. (Parker) Ricker.
A proud and patriotic man, with a desire to serve the country he loved, Derf was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam War. Once graduating from boot camp, Derf continued his education by attending Marine Corps Engineering School at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAfter becoming a certified Combat Engineer, he was deployed overseas to Vietnam. His first assignment was Land Mine Warfare School in Danang, Vietnam. Following his completion of Land Mine Warfare Training, Derf was sent to the frontlines of the Vietnam War. Nine months into his deployment, Derf stepped on a hidden landmine which resulted in severe injuries to the heel of his foot, and concluded his service in Vietnam.
Derf served from September 19, 1966, until his honorable discharge on July 1, 1968, achieving the rank of Corporal. At the conclusion of his respected time in the Marine Corps, Derf was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnamese Service Medal with One Star and Device; Presidential Unit Citation; and the Purple Heart Medal.
Following his time in the Marine Corps, Derf returned home and began working for the USPS in Brockton, MA. He was a Mail Handler at the Brockton facility for many years where he was known for his good work ethic and willingness to help others, with nothing expected in return.
In his spare time, Derf enjoyed working in his woodshop and impressing others with his ability to construct nearly any project. He loved his saltwater aquarium which he maintained perfectly for his marine animals to have a comforting environment. He was an ardent supporter of the USMC and the Armed Forces of the United States. Above all, Derf was most happy when he was in the presence of and making memories with his family and two dogs Papaluci and Bear Dog.
In addition to his wife of 20 years, Derf is survived by his children: Kimberly A. May and her husband Robert of West Bridgewater, MA, Michael P. Ricker of Raynham, MA, Jennifer Cotrone and her significant other Terry of Coventry, and Timothy Cotrone and fiancé Tanya of Coventry; his 3 grandchildren: Jordan, Tyler, and Madyson May, all of West Bridgewater; his step-grandson Jonathan Kohler of Coventry; his brother: David S. Ricker of York, ME; and also many nieces nephews, and extended family members.
Derf is predeceased by his two sisters: Gail F. Maguire and Susan D. Heath.
Committal with US Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 S. County Trail, Exeter, RI. Please arrive at the cemetery by 12:45 pm where a procession to the Committal Shelter will be formed.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederic E. "Derf" Ricker, Jr., please visit the floral store.