Robert “Bob” Woods Ricker, 92 of Vienna, Va., died peacefully in his home on Dec. 5, 2021.
Born in Paterson, N.J., Bob moved to Washington, DC, to attend Catholic University of America. His education was interrupted by the Korean War, where he served as an officer in the U.S. Army. He returned to CUA and, upon graduation, joined the Central Intelligence Agency, where his service to his country continued for several decades. His career with the agency saw him travel all over the world, including two tours in Vietnam.
In 1968, while swimming at the pool of his Tunlaw Road apartment complex, Bob met a young nurse, Julia Madden. The couple married in 1969 and settled in Vienna, Va. Bob’s family was the most important part of his life. He was a loving husband and an active participant in his children’s lives.
Bob also strongly believed in serving others at a local level, a belief that was formed and reinforced by his Catholic faith. Active in his parish and his community throughout his life, Bob was a committed volunteer at the church and the parish school.
He also donated his time to organizations including So Others Might Eat and Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic. He was a founding member and president of his parish’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Julia; his son, Chris (Kelly) of Hinsdale; his daughter, Alexandra (Neil) Sunley; his grandsons, William Ricker and Owen Ricker; his sister-in-law, Mary (Paul) Luck; and his niece, Patty (Mark) Barbato and her sons.
He was preceded in death by his nephew, Major Nick Ferencz, USMC.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 8601 Wolftrap Road, Vienna, Va.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to the OLGC Society of St. Vincent de Paul at https://www.olgcva.org/outreach/svdp.
