John Francis Ryckaert

On February 27, 2020, John left the loving care of Legacy House in Ocala, to be in God’s arms in Heaven.  He was greeted by his mother and father, Anna and Arthur, baby brother Arthur, sister Rachelle, son Andy, and his beloved wife Leona.

John was born in Holland on October 3, 1928.  His parents brought him to America and settled in Chicago, Illinois, when he was 2 years old.  He grew up in Chicago and joined the Navy at age 17.  He served 3 years in the South Pacific, then went on to graduate from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors degree, then graduated from Cornell University with a Masters Degree.  He started a thirty year career with Kodak in Rochester, NY.  He was Director of Operations and served Kodak in South America, Australia, Europe, and three years in England.  He retired 31 years ago to Florida, and moved to Rainbow Springs 22 years ago.

He was a member of Locust Country Club in Rochester, and Sunning Dale Golf Club in England.  His thirst for knowledge made him an avid reader.  He enjoyed cooking and playing cards, especially Bridge.  He parred and birdied many golf holes, and once even shot his age.  He enjoyed many new friends playing Billiards at the Rainbow Springs Community Center, and he always looked forward to his four o’clock Tanqueray.

He is survived by his sisters Lillian and Elaine, niece Jeannie Fishbock and her husband Clark, nephew Johnny Staudacher and grandson Sam Ryckaert.  He leaves his family and friends with a broken heart, especially Virginia who will miss him every day.

A military funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Roberts Funeral Home, 19939 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Dunnellon.  His remains will be buried in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Legacy House, C/O Hospice of Marion County.