SALEM- V. John Rikkola, 97, husband of the late Ann. I. (Hansen) Rikkola, of Salem, died Wednesday, March 24, 2004 following a brief illness.
Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Anton and Matilda (Kumpumaki) Rikkola. He was a graduate of Salem State College and received his masters degree in education from Boston University.
Prior to his retirement in 1971, he was employed by the City of Salem school department and was a principal of the Horace Mann School in Salem. He also taught classes at Salem State College.
A resident of Salem since 1944, he was a former commodore and secretary of the Salem Willows Yacht Club, and a member of the Salem Lions Club. His interests included boating and golf.
Mr. Rikkola is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sharyn and Donald Warnock of Salem, three grandchildren, Amanda Warnock of Austin, Texas, Jonathan Warnock of Salem, Rebecca Warnock of San Diego, CA, two great grandchildren, Jackson Warnock and Anna Warnock, two brothers, Allan Rikkola of Williamsburg, Virginia, Alvan and his wife Irene Rikkola of Lake Worth, Florida, a sister-in-law, Eleanor Lavin of Bolton and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Alfred Rikkola and Thomas Rikkola.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2004 at 11 am at the St John Lutheran Church, Peabody. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Friday, 5 to 7 pm at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St. John Lutheran Church, 32 Ellsworth Road, Peabody, MA 01960. For guest book and other information, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.