Wallington Ricketts, Jr.

Wallington John Ricketts Jr., 70 of Palm Harbor, FL, died October 2, 2012, at his daughter"s home of complications from bladder cancer. Known by family as Dad and Pop-Pop and friends as John, he was born in Plainfield, NJ, March 5, 1942. A son of the late Wallington John, Sr. and Janet Louise (Beucke) Ricketts, his wife of 43 years, Janet (Fillette) Ricketts, died August 10, 2010. Spending his childhood in the United States and Sumatra, Indonesia, he was a 1961 graduate of Staunton Military Academy, Staunton, VA. In 1972, they moved to Florida from Easton, PA, where they owned 2 Taylor Rental franchises in the Clearwater area. John was later employed as national sales manager for Simpson Pressure Washers, Clearwater, and store manager for Hometown Hearth, Hudson, FL. He was former President of the Easton Young Republicans Club and President of Taylor Rental Association. Many family adventures involved antique cars, since he was a life member and enthusiastic supporter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. He also loved boating and fishing. This June he received national recognition for his 1970 Buick GS Stage 1. Known for his infectious smile and joke-telling, he was blessed to the have many close friendships. John was a true big brother to his sister and a loving, yet firm father and grandfather. He lived the last year of his life to the fullest. Surviving are his children, Tracy M. (Jeff A.) Lesher, Reinholds, PA, and Daniel M. (Dawn M.) Ricketts, Trinity, FL, grandchildren, Alyssa, Augie, Ava, Jack, and Anna; and a sister Susan (Fred) Assenheimer, Florham Park, NJ; numerous nieces and nephews, and a close, personal friend, Theresa Rothrock. A Memorial Service is planned for October 20, 2012 at 3:00 pm from St. Alfred"s Episcopal Church, 1601 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor, FL. Inurnment in Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens, Palm Harbor, FL. Rather than flowers, donations may be sent to AACA Library and Research Center, 501 W. Governor Rd., Hershey, PA 17033 or Hospice of Florida Coast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd. Clearwater, FL 33760. Guidance provided by Good Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Reamstown, PA. Memorial Celebration of Life 10/20/2012 3:00 PM St. Alfred's Episcopal Church 1601 Curlew Road Palm Harbor FL