Obituary of Alvan B. Rikkola

ALVAN RIKKOLA PEABODY ELKS P.E.R., DISTRICT DEPUTY Alvan B. Rikkola left this life peacefully with his wife at his side on April 10, 2008 in Lake Worth, Florida, age 95. He was born in 1912 in Peabody, MA to the late Anton and Mathilda (Kumpumaki) Rikkola. Alvan had lived in Peabody for 80 years before retiring to Lake Worth. Mr. Rikkola served his community exceptionally. He belonged to the Peabody B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge 1409, where he was a two-term Exalted Ruler and a Massachusetts District Deputy from 1963-64. He was an active trustee, officer and committee member. In the 1950’s he helped bring Babe Ruth and Pony League baseball to Peabody. He joined the Elks in 1933 and remained a lifetime member and donor. He was an early member, deacon, and four-year Vice President of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peabody in the 1960’s. He later attended the St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Lake Worth, where he was an active member and greeter. He gave his time generously to the American Red Cross in Peabody. He chaired fundraising during WWII, and was a board member and volunteer driver for many years. He leaves his loving wife of 74 years, Irene Rikkola. Surviving are his son Alvan Jr. (& Marie) of Beverly, MA, daughter Barbara King of Springfield, MA, grandchildren Jeffrey, Phillip (& Sandy) and Stephen King (& C.J.), Richard (& Monique) Rockwell, Theresa (& Gerald) Esposito, and Thomas (& Erica) Rikkola, great-grandchildren Trey, Teddy, Melina and Cameron, nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Margaret Rikkola in Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy, his brothers Alfred, John, Allan, Thomas and sister Taimi. Alvan was graduated from Peabody High School in 1930 and then from Burdett Business College. He assisted the Treasurer of the International Union of Leather Workers in Boston during the heyday of union activity in the 1930’s and 40’s, where he was known as a flawless book-keeper. Later he worked for several tanneries in Peabody. He retired to a career in real estate management and was a licensed real estate broker. Alvan shared a passion for golf with his brothers, and golfed throughout his life. He belonged to the Wenham, MA Golf Club, and the Lake Worth municipal course where he won several golf events, including First Place in a Lake Worth tournament at age 85. Most recently Alvan was devoted to caring for his wife Irene. He helped his children and grandchildren generously over the years and enjoyed spending time with them until his recent brief illness. He is remembered fondly by neighbors and friends at Palm Lake Condo in Lake Worth. Viewing Monday, April 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home 82 Lynn St. Peabody MA 01960, 978-531-0472. Funeral Tuesday April 22 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Evangelico Church, corner of 32 Ellsworth Rd. and King St., Peabody MA followed by burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Peabody MA. Memorial donations may be made to St. John Evangelico Lutheran Church, Peabody MA, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Lake Worth FL, or to the charity of one’s choice