Robert Ricken

BOBBY AND I WERE GOOD FRIENDS AND TENNIS PLAYMATES. SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING.

Just seeing all these beautiful messages as I didn´t know about this website until now. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who posted. Your words mean a lot to all of us and we´re happy and proud of Dad´s impact on so many people.

In 1985 I was working my doctorate in education at Fordham university. I needed to get permission to collect data on the values of different groups of teenagers in a public high school on Long Island. Many superintendents were afraid that some parents might object or said they were too busy to support my research. After about 30 rejections, I contacted Dr. Ricken and met with him. He told me the research sounded interested, and put me in touch with a Health teacher at Mineola High...

It was a blessing to have been mentored by Doc Ricken (as he was affectionately referred to by his students). At 11, he set a spark in me. By 14, he called me formidable. I still share stories, but now with my own students. I could never pay you back for what you taught me, so I chose to pay it forward. Thank you for an extraordinary childhood.

Mr. Ricken's heart was bigger than life. He was such a great Principal, friend, and human. He always put other people's needs first. He made sure we were ok. If we ever needed to talk or worried about things, his door was always open. He spoke with us with care, love and honesty. He changed many lifes. Thank Mr. Ricken! I know you changed my life. Rest in Peace. Bless you.

I worked with Ken Ricken years ago and wanted to express my condolences and sympathy to Ken and his family. After reading all the beautiful posts about your Dad, you must be so proud, it sounds like we lost one of the good ones. I hope his legacy lives through you and your brothers forever. May he rest in peace. Pam Wruck

Bob Ricken made a difference. The man was a role model who inspired legions of people (faculty, staff, administrators, students, families and friends) to become better...more compassionate, empathetic, reflective, humanistic, caring. A man of integrity! He will be missed, but more importantly, remembered. With deepest sympathy to Douglas, Kenneth, and Michael.

Bob Ricken was special. He had a way about him. He made you feel comfortable, at ease. He was a pensive and caring person, the door to his office remained open. As a leader he encouraged us to always do our best. His presence will forever resonate through the halls of MMS and in our hearts.

Bob Ricken was an approachable and compassionate leader. He encouraged us, as teachers, to do our best and be creative, in order to enrich the learning experience of our students. He will be remembered as a favorite superintendent of all who worked under his administration. Our condolences to Bob's family.