Theodore Americus "Ted" Ricketts, Jr., age 83, of St. Leonard, Md., formerly of Rockville, Md., died Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte Hall, Md.

Born January 20, 1925 in Rockville, Md., he was the son of the late Theodore A. Ricketts, Sr. and the late Edwinna B. Ricketts.

He was the beloved husband of Doris F. Ricketts, his wife of 59 years.

In June 1943, after graduating from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Ted enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served honorably during WWII in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater until discharge in February 1946. He was later awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Following his discharge, he worked for several years as an auto mechanic while attending college. In 1952, he began working as a field engineer for Vitro Corporation in Silver Spring, Md., retiring in 1987.

Ted was a former member of Christ Episcopal Church in Rockville. He served on the church vestry and was a member of the choir for many years. He was a member of American Legion Post 274 in Lusby, Md. and a member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Region 2, Central Maryland Unit. Ted loved golf, caravanning with the Airstreamers, rooting for the Redskins, and a good game of Bridge with his friends at Sarasota Bay, Fla.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Susan Brooks and husband Ned of Laytonsville, Md. and Becky Ricketts of Mt. Airy, Md.; grandchildren, Amanda Blohm and husband Eric of Emittsburg, Md., Lindsey Galmin and husband Gary of Frederick, Md., Katy Lynch and husband Freddie of Prince Frederick, Md.; Todd Brooks and wife Tina of Gaithersburg, Md., and Andy Hocker of Frederick, Md.; and great-grandchildren Calvin and Trenton Lynch and Emily and Laura Blohm.

He was predeceased by a brother, Ronald L. Ricketts.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Rausch Funeral Home, 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, Md. Private inurnment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 or Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.