Gerard K Riker , March 06, 1928 — January 26, 2019

OBITUARY Gerard K Riker March 6, 1928 – January 26, 2019 Gerard Kenneth Riker March 6, 1928 – January 26, 2019 Gerard Kenneth Riker of Port St Lucie, Florida, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Saturday, January 26, 2019 from complications of chronic respiratory disease. Jerry was born on March 6, 1928, In Brooklyn, NY to William and Marion Riker. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Navy, sailing around the world.

Following his honorable discharge, Jerry began working for The Grumman Corp. of Bethpage, NY. While there a coworker enticed him to partner as owners of a harness racing horse he had just purchased named Prince Jamie.

Soon Grumman was a faint memory as Jerry moved on to own, train and race his and other’s horses at such fabled tracks as Roosevelt Raceway, Foxboro Raceway and Pocono Downs to name a few. There wasn’t a day when Jerry didn’t treasure working with his beloved horses. As fate would have it, Jerry injured his back severely causing him to leave horseracing following a major surgery.

Saying goodbye to his last horse, Mr. Leo Chief, was especially painful as he loved them each with all his heart. Not long after Jerry began working at the IRS, also located in Bethpage. He moved up in ranks quickly before retiring when Florida was calling.

For many years Jerry lived happily at Spanish Lakes in Port St Lucie with dear friends near. His love of tennis enabled him to teach there. The yearly theme shows put together with fellow residents gave him the excuse to sing aloud feeding his joy at being the life of the party.

In earlier days, often with a cocktail and stogie in hand, he would find any excuse to dance the night away, causing his brother to name him “Flash” because he never failed to light up the room. Family and friends alike will miss his stories, antics and laughter though joyous, loving memories will remain just a smile away. Jerry is survived by his niece Heather Van Rykn of Walnut Creek, CA; nephew Bill Riker (Carol) of Yardley, PA; niece Connie Forrest of Clayton, CA; grandnieces Keira, Kim and Kate; grandnephew Liam; great-grandnieces Sara and Nora; great-grandnephew Joshua and his dear friend Sari Pomponio.

He is predeceased by his beloved brother Bill.

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