Obituary of Barbara A (Rikkola) King

Barbara A. (Rikkola) King, 80, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2017 at CareOne Redstone in East Longmeadow. She leaves loving sons Jeff (Bruce) and Phil, nephews Ric (Monique) Rockwell, Thomas Rikkola, niece Theresa Rikkola Esposito, and several cousins including Sharyn Rikkola Warnock. She was predeceased by her son Stephen, her brother, sister and parents. Barbara was born and grew up in Peabody, MA, daughter of Alvan Rikkola and Irene (Piotrowski). She was a 1954 graduate of Peabody High School and the Chandler School in Boston. Barbara was employed by Catuogno Court Reporting in Springfield for many years. She had a strong work ethic and was dedicated to her job. Catuogno was in many ways a second family to her. Barbara began her career at GE in Lynn, MA, where she excelled in short-hand, typing and secretarial skills. She met her husband there and raised her family in Andover and North Andover prior to moving to Springfield in 1980. A memorial service is planned for 12 noon on Tuesday, October 17 at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody with committal to follow in Cedar Grove. Memorial gifts may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellsworth Street, Peabody, MA 01960 or the charity of one’s choice.