Jerry Joseph Ricard

Ocala, FL – Jerry J. Ricard, 76, passed away this Valentine’s Day on February 14th 2023, in his retirement home in Ocala, Florida. A former West Michigan (Grand Rapids & Holland) resident of 47 years. He was born on July 2, 1946 to Jack and Dorothy (Killen) Ricard. Jerry grew up on the southside of Chicago in a English-French family home with his siblings, Jack, Jean, and Joanne and his maternal grandparents (Joesph and Lilly Killen) upstairs. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and brother Jack. A history buff perfectionist passion led him to discovering that his family name leads back to Garnier from 1832 who bought the drafted name off ‘Francis Ricard’ to serve in the Crimean War of 1854 and then to re-enlist to serve in the US Civil War of 1862. 

Jerry started his passion for hard-work young working in produce at Jewel Food’s and as the President of the Wheaton Community youth center at 15. After graduating from Wheaton High School class of 1964, he went on to DuPage County college and served 3 years for the United States Army as Director of hospital personnel in Muenchweiler, Germany during the Vietnam Era.  Coming home to begin his extensive restaurant experiences in Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan. He went on to become Vice President of Operations developing Long John Silver’s restaurants in West Michigan for 20 years. He retired, purchasing and operating a Dinner Theatre restaurant, Madame Babe's House of Fine Repute in Sand Lake, Mi. Continuing his love for production and entertainment he stayed in tourism for 17 years as the General Manager of Coopersville & Marne Railway a theme train in West Michigan. Finally retiring at a pool-house in Ocala, Florida living with his wife of 43 years, Kyle and his daughter’s family to enjoy his favorite role as ‘PaPa’ to his grandchildren.

Survived by his wife, Kyle (Arndt) in Ocala, FL, son Kerry Ricard of Grand Rapids, Mi, daughter Corinne with her husband Julian ‘Tres’ Cannon III. His beloved grandchildren; Peyton and Brady. 

The family has chosen a virtual service to celebrate his life. Those who wish to remember Jerry in a special way may share stories, pictures, and comments online at ocalafuneral.care .