Leonard Hamilton Riker

Leonard Hamilton Riker, Jr., 88 years old, died suddenly at Newton Medical Center, Newton, N.J., on Friday, March 21, 2014. Born to Leonard H. Riker, Sr. and Mary Emma Norman in Milton, N.J, and then he had lived in Lawrence River, N.Y., and Wantage Twp., N.J., before moving to Ogdensburg, N.J., 14 years ago.

Mr. Riker attended Butler High School and during his senior year in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was graduated in absentia while he served his country as a gunners mate on the USS Tuscaloosa and participated in the D-Day Invasion as well as the North African, Pacific, European, China and Philippines Liberation campaigns. He worked many jobs, some as a milkman and grocer, but was best known as a skilled carpenter for most of his life. He took great pride and enjoyment in gardening and was known for his Jersey tomatoes and was an avid reader of western novels.

Mr. Riker was predeceased by his brothers, Douglas and George and was the devoted father of Michael L. Riker of Ogdensburg, N.J., Keith D. Riker of Rehoboth Beach, Del. And Linda D. Riker-Romero of Bronx, N.Y.; loving grandfather of Cory G. and Alyssa L. Riker; dear brother of Joan Ward, Blair Riker and Frank Riker.

Memorial visiting will be Saturday, March 29, 2014, from Noon until 1 p.m. at F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, 1 Main Street, Franklin, N.J. Memorial service to commence at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation services will be private. Information and condolences can be found at www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.