Taunton Police Department, Massachusetts

Joseph Francis Ricketts         

Joseph F. Ricketts was born in Taunton on October 18, 1922 and died in Taunton on July 15, 2012. He was appointed as a reserve officer on November 11, 1947 and to the regular force on January 5, 1949. He was promoted to Sergeant on January 8, 1957, Lieutenant on December 11, 1962 and Captain on December 10, 1975. He retired from the department on June 30, 1978.

Obituary -  July 18, 2012 Taunton Daily Gazette

Joseph F. Ricketts, husband of the late Pauline C. (St. Pierre) Ricketts, died at Morton Hospital and Medical Center on July 15, 2012. He was 89. Born in Taunton, he was the son of the late Charles I. and Annie B. (McGrath) Ricketts. A Taunton resident for most of his life, he recently resided at Life Care Centers of Raynham. Mr. Ricketts graduated from Lynn English High School in 1940 and later received an associate's degree in criminal justice from Bristol Community College. He was a 95th session graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy. A U.S. Navy veteran of WW II, Mr. Ricketts later served in the U.S. Army Reserves for thirty years, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, W-4. He served on the Taunton Police Department for thirty-one years, retiring with the rank of Captain in 1978. A communicant of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Mr. Ricketts was a member of the VFW Post 611, and St. Vincent DePaul Society. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Joe brought joy to everyone who knew him through his songs, his jokes, and his lightheartedness. His favorite pastimes were dancing with his beloved wife, Pauline and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his genuine joy of life and his kind, gentle spirit. Survivors include a son, TPD Patrolman Stephen G. J. Ricketts, and his wife Patricia of Taunton; a daughter, Marian F. Granfield and her husband Robert of Youngstown, NY; a son-in-law, Michael Gagnon of Taunton, husband of the late Paula I (Ricketts) Gagnon; three grandchildren, Brittany A. and Zachary J. Ricketts, and Rebecca L. Gagnon; and several nieces and nephews. He was also brother of the late Bernadine Smith, Charles, William and Robert Ricketts and Esther Johnson. His funeral will be held from the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton on Friday, July 20th at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Church at 10 a.m. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.