Philip R. Ricker, 74, of Collins, GA, passed away on May 2, 2026. Born on September 2, 1952, in St. Johnsbury, VT, he was the son of Paul N. Ricker and Patricia Page Ricker.

Philip graduated from Woodsville High School in 1970 and continued his education at Plymouth State. During his school years, he discovered a deep love for the performing arts, enjoying singing, acting, and dancing. His passion for the stage stayed with him throughout his life, notably through the plays he performed in at the Old Church Theater in Bradford, VT. In 2009, he appeared in a TV commercial for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, promoting phosphorus-free fertilizer with the memorable message: “Don’t ‘P’ on your lawn”.

Professionally, Philip spent the majority of his career in restaurant management. In 2009, he sought a new path and became a phlebotomist, first working at Dartmouth Hitchcock before moving to Naples, FL, to work for the Florida Cancer Centers in Ft. Meyers and Naples. Upon his retirement, he moved to Collins, GA.

Philip cherished the many friends he made along the way. He especially loved the time he spent growing up at Lake Groton during the summers.

He leaves behind his sister, Paula House, nephew Christopher, wife Samantha, children Lilly and Lucy, and his niece Kimberly.

There will be a private burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Woodsville, NH.

Donations in Philip’s memory may be made to The Old Church Theater, c/o Melissa Mann, PO Box 304, Bradford, VT 05033, or Shriners Hospital for Children, 89 Park St., Chicopee, MA 01013.