Obituary for Ricky Ray Birkes
RICKY RAY BIRKES, 73, of East Providence, RI, passed peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, February 19th in Bristol, RI. Ricky was the beloved husband of Patricia Currier Birkes of Rumford RI, for nearly 50 years.
Born in Cassville, MO, he was the son of the late Audrey (Trink) and Ray Gene Birkes of Kansas City, MO. He is survived by his three devoted daughters, Kelly Coelho (Corey Coelho) of Rumford, RI, and Katharyn Birkes (Michael Purcell), and Alison Birkes (Christian Covarrubias) of East Providence, RI. He was a loving brother to three sisters, Sandy Rogers (Rick Rogers), Jan Birkes and Jill Hill, all from Kansas City, MO. He was a beloved Poppi to five beautiful grandchildren, Olivia, Luca, Cole, Natalie, and Emma, and leaves many nieces, nephews and in-laws who loved him beyond words.
Ricky proudly served his country in the US Coast Guard. During his career he was awarded the Coast Guard Lifesaving Medal and the National Defense Medal among many others. He was an avid sportsman, playing in softball leagues for decades alongside men half his age. He spent his professional life as a union drywall finisher, instructor, and contractor, mentoring many young men during his long career. He learned his trade from his father and worked alongside him for many years in Missouri before finally settling in Rhode Island. Rick spent his life adoring his family and friends, making us all laugh with his unmatched storytelling skills.
Calling hours for will be on Thursday, March 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home, 210 Taunton Avenue East Providence, RI. A celebration of life service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 300 Westminster Street, Providence on Friday, March 4th at 11:00 am. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. JAF provides financial support to New England cancer patients and their families. 49 Plain Street, Suite 500 North Attleboro, MA 02760
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Born in Cassville, MO, he was the son of the late Audrey (Trink) and Ray Gene Birkes of Kansas City, MO. He is survived by his three devoted daughters, Kelly Coelho (Corey Coelho) of Rumford, RI, and Katharyn Birkes (Michael Purcell), and Alison Birkes (Christian Covarrubias) of East Providence, RI. He was a loving brother to three sisters, Sandy Rogers (Rick Rogers), Jan Birkes and Jill Hill, all from Kansas City, MO. He was a beloved Poppi to five beautiful grandchildren, Olivia, Luca, Cole, Natalie, and Emma, and leaves many nieces, nephews and in-laws who loved him beyond words.
Ricky proudly served his country in the US Coast Guard. During his career he was awarded the Coast Guard Lifesaving Medal and the National Defense Medal among many others. He was an avid sportsman, playing in softball leagues for decades alongside men half his age. He spent his professional life as a union drywall finisher, instructor, and contractor, mentoring many young men during his long career. He learned his trade from his father and worked alongside him for many years in Missouri before finally settling in Rhode Island. Rick spent his life adoring his family and friends, making us all laugh with his unmatched storytelling skills.
Calling hours for will be on Thursday, March 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home, 210 Taunton Avenue East Providence, RI. A celebration of life service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 300 Westminster Street, Providence on Friday, March 4th at 11:00 am. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. JAF provides financial support to New England cancer patients and their families. 49 Plain Street, Suite 500 North Attleboro, MA 02760
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Ricky Ray Birkes, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
3
Mar
4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home
210 Taunton Ave
East Providence, RI 02914
A Celebration of Life will be held in Grace Episcopal Church, 300 Westminster Street in Providence Friday, March 4th at 11:00AM.
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