TAUNTON – Joseph F. Ricketts, husband of the late Pauline C. (St. Pierre) Ricketts, died at Morton Hospital and Medical Center on July 15, 2012.
He was 89.
Born in Taunton, he was the son of the late Charles I. and Annie B. (McGrath) Ricketts.
A Taunton resident for most of his life, he recently resided at Life Care Centers of Raynham.
Mr. Ricketts graduated from Lynn English High School in 1940 and later received an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Bristol Community College.
He was a 95th session graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy.
A U.S. Navy veteran of WW II, Mr. Ricketts later served in the U.S. Army Reserves for thirty years, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, W-4.
He served on the Taunton Police Department for thirty-one years, retiring with the rank of Captain in 1978.
A communicant of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Mr. Ricketts was a member of the VFW Post 611, and St. Vincent DePaul Society.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, Joe brought joy to everyone who knew him through his songs, his jokes, and his lightheartedness.
His favorite pastimes were dancing with his beloved wife, Pauline and spending time with his family.
He will be remembered for his genuine joy of life and his kind, gentle spirit.
Survivors include a son, TPD Patrolman Stephen G. J. Ricketts, and his wife Patricia of Taunton; a daughter, Marian F. Granfield and her husband Robert of Youngstown, NY; a son-in-law, Michael Gagnon of Taunton, husband of the late Paula I (Ricketts) Gagnon; three grandchildren, Brittany A. and Zachary J. Ricketts, and Rebecca L. Gagnon; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also brother of the late Bernadine Smith, Charles, William and Robert Ricketts and Esther Johnson.
His funeral will be held from the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton on Friday, July 20th at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Church at 10 a.m.
Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Calling Hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 19th from 5 to 8 p.m.
www.silvafuneralhome.com.