Edward Ricketts passed away January 6, 2011. He was born in Bayshore, New York on January 26, 1926. He lived all of his life in Bablylon and West Islip, New York, and for the last twenty-one years he spent winters in Florida. He was a life-member of the Babylon Yacht Club, and grew up sailing on the Great South Bay.
Ed graduated from Babylon High School and attended Pratt University after serving in the US Air Corps in WWII. He and Grace Bradt were married in 1944 and spent 64 years together.
After the war, Ed flew as a flight engineer with several companies. His last twenty years he flew for John Hay Whitney on his private plane.
Ed was an avid sailor, as was his wife and all their free time was spent sailing and racing with their three daughters as crew. Upon their retirement, they enjoyed their days sailing their 38 foot sloop, the Spirit. They visited all the Caribbean Islands, and lived aboard the Spirit several years in the Exumas and the Bahamas.
Ed loved his family, his many wonderful and dear friends in New York and Florida, sailing and flying.
He is survived by his wife Grace, his daughters Suzanne Scott, Christine and her husband David Beach, Allyson and her husband Joseph Hamm, and sister Leila Meade. He also left five grandchildren; Bryan Scott, Samantha Scott, Christopher Beach, Andrew Beach and Megan Mathews. He was predeceased by his daughter Jacalyn Batty and his brother Robert Ricketts.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997.
A memorial service will be held at the Pierpoint Clubhouse, 195 SE St. Lucie Blvd, Stuart, FL on Friday, January 14 at 11:00pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through www.coxgiffordseawinds/obituaries.php