Steven William Rickard, 74 of 3696 Coudersport Pike, Lock Haven and 173 Hammocks Landing Drive, Ponte Vedra, FL died January 1, 2022 from an unexpected accident at his camp in Lock Haven.
He was born October 31, 1947 in Lock Haven, the son of the late William P. Rickard and Lura Sue Wurster Rickard. It was often commented that when he was born, the doctor came to the Delivery Room dressed in his Halloween costume and that was the start of Steve’s wonderful sense of humor.
He was married to Lori Ann Daly Rickard who survives along with his children Melissa (Greg) Peddigree of Lock Haven, Michael (Jen) Rickard of Berlin, MD, Matthew (Emily) Rickard of Hublersburg and Brandi (Mike) Daly of Lansdale. He is also survived by Lori’s children Matthew Daly of Jacksonville, FL and Christy Daly of Philadelphia, PA. Along with his children, he is survived by 11 grandchildren, Brandon, Brett and Bryant Peddigree (Lock Haven), Billy (Kira) Rickard (Mill Hall), Alexis Rickard (Hublersburg), Corinne and Reese Daly (Lansdale), Arimani (Chanse) Davy (Lock Haven), Alayni (Nathan) Alterio (Bellefonte), Jordan and Callie Daly (Jacksonville, FL) and 2 great-grandchildren, Beckett Davy and Kade Alterio. He is also survived by his sister, Kimberly (David) Coleman (Lock Haven) and Michael (Michelle) Rickard of Loyalsock. In addition, he is survived by Nephews, Adam (Jen), Christopher (Tara) and Kyle Coleman and Chad (Cami) Rickard and Nieces, Lori Jo (Thad) Jennings and Jillian Rickard.
Steve was a 1965 graduate of Lock Haven High School, Lock Haven. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the Infantry stationed in South Vietnam. After receiving (2) Purple Hearts, the Vietnamese Service and Campaign Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation and a Good Conduct Medal, Steve received an Honorable Discharge in 1969. After graduation from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, Steve was a Pennsylvania State Trooper for 22 years. During his tenure with the State Police, Steve was an Instructor and Municipal Police Consultant for the PA Department of Education and was a member as Adjunct Faculty for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) at the University of North Florida. Upon his retirement from the State Police, he began his own business, Steven W. Rickard and Associates, Inc. and, at the time of his death, he was still working. He was also the Executive Director of the PA Traffic Accident Investigator’s Association. He was a member of NAPARS (National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists), SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), TCDLA (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association) and a member of the American Association of State Troopers. Steve provided Sworn/Expert Testimony in 24 Federal/Appellate Courts in the United States and 32 State District Courts.
He was an instructor at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy teaching multiple subjects, the PA Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) and the PA Department of Education, Traffic Institute for Police Services.
He also provided Accident Reconstruction Training for Foreign, Federal and State Police Departments in the following locations: Canada, Province of South Australia, Republic of China, Taiwan and most of the US States. He authored many articles pertaining to Accident Reconstruction. He has taught numerous Technical Courses and Presented Classes and Workshops dealing with Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Reconstruction.
He was a life-long member of the Hand in Hand Hose Company in Lock Haven. He was a member of the St. John’s Masonic Lodge 260 and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Keystone Lodge No. 41.
Steve was a member of the East Main Street United Methodist Church in Lock Haven and Crossroads Church in Jersey Shore.
He enjoyed his family, especially the grandchildren and his great nieces, Sloan and Emily Coleman. Steve looked forward to the picnics and holidays when they were all together. He will be sadly missed by his family.
He loved spending time at his camp and taking pictures of the wildlife to share with his friends and family. He also enjoyed his weekly visits to Dunkin Donuts with his coffee group.
Private Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family under the Direction of the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, 231 High Street, Flemington.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Clinton County SPCA.
