Frederick Rickson, 68,

Retired to the Vineyard

Frederick Rickson of Vineyard Haven died June 2 at his residence after a serious illness. He was 68 and married to Joyce Jackson Rickson.

Frederick was the son of Fred and Beatrice Thompson Rickson. He was born in Boston on April 5, 1940. His mother died when he was a toddler and he was raised by his stepmother, Marion Clements Rickson. After graduating from Boston Technical High School, Fred served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his return from the military, he purchased his first truck and began many years of work as a truck hauler and a member of the Teamsters Union Local 379.  

Fred was a frequent visitor to the Vineyard and retired to the Island in 2005. His hobbies included sports, photography and playing cards.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; his son Christopher, wife Diane and their sons Isaac and Nathan of Keene, N.H.; his daughter Diane of Brighton; his sister Merle Rickson Thomas and her husband Lafayette of Nanjemoy, Md., and their children Kenneth, David, Karen and Linda; his niece Collete Andrews and her daughter Aisha; and the mother of Frederick’s children, Beverly Rickson of Mashpee. Fred was predeceased by his twin sister, Beatrice, and his brother, Alfred.

A service will be held on Sunday, June 22, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Spring and Williams streets, Vineyard Haven. The Rev. Roger Spinney will officiate. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 2568, Oak Bluffs MA 02557 or to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs MA 02557.