George Ricketts

Utahville- George O. Ricketts, 87, died, at home on March 16, 2018.

He was born at Heverly, PA, May 3, 1930, a son of the late Orvis B. & Catherine L. (Tokarchic) Ricketts.

On May 15, 1954 he wed Margaret S. (Badenoch) of Aberdeen Scotland, in John Knox Church Aberdeen.

His wife of 59 years Margaret S. Ricketts preceded him in death on March 6, 2014. 

He is survived by a son Mark A. Ricketts and wife Lisa, two granddaughters Shannon and Heather (Ricketts) Holes and husband Irvin Holes III, three Great Grandchildren: Jacob, Sarah and Abigail Holes all of Coalport

He is survived by three brothers, Larry Ricketts of Coalport, Thomas Jerry Ricketts and wife Ruby of Coalport, and James Ricketts of Houtzdale.  He is also survived by a sister Eleanor Kay (Ricketts) McClellan and husband Roy of Fallentimber and numerous nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death his wife Margaret, daughter Deborah “Debbie” (Ricketts) Foot.  His parents, three brothers John “Jack” Ricketts, Robert A. Ricketts, Ronald “Ronnie” Ricketts, two sisters Joann (Ricketts) Martin and Pauline (Ricketts) Orichosky.

George attended Beccaria Twp. Elementary schools in Utahville and Blain City.  He also attended the former Beccaria Twp. High School in Coalport Borough (B.T.H.S.)

He served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict with more than 3 years overseas duty.  While in the service he attended courses at the Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, VA.  After his honorable discharge from the USAF he took courses in structural drafting from (I.C.S.) International Correspondence Schools.

He worked at brief time in the coal mines at Westover before reenlisting in the USAF.  He also worked for American Air Surveys as a draftsman, the former Pennsylvania Railroad Co for 15 years as a freight conductor and brakeman.  In 1992 with 23 years of service as a Carpenter & Superintendent of Construction for the former Hughes Crawford Co. Inc of Altoona.

He was a former member of the UMWA and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.  He was a 50 year member and Past Master of the Coalport Lodge #574 Free & Accepted Masons and a former of the Altoona Consistory where he received his 32nd degree.  He was also a former member of the Glendale Area School Board of Directors.  He was also a former member of Mt. Pleasant Grange, Utahville and a life member of the Coalport Coal Museum.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lloyd-Dimmick Funeral Home, Inc. Irvona

At the request of Mr. Ricketts there will be no visitation or services.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to, Coalport Area Public Library, Coalport Coal Museum, American Cancer Society, or the Utahville United Methodist Church.

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