John H. Rictor

John H. Rictor, 83, of Meadville, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at UPMC-Hamot.

John was born in Erie, on January 13, 1942, a son of the late John and Dorothy (Buckles) Rictor, Sr.

On December 31, 2002, John married Joanne E. Hunt.

John was a 1960 graduate of Erie Strong Vincent High School. In 1969 he moved to Meadville to take on employment with Blatt Brothers Theaters Company, where he was responsible for managing the Academy Theatre for thirteen years. For the next few years he was employed as assistant service manager at Griffin Motors, Park Avenue. He decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, and in 1986 he began working part time as a patrolman for West Mead Township. The following year he enrolled in Mercyhurst College Police Academy obtaining the required Act 120 Training and Certification, graduating later that year with distinction. Following graduation he took a part time position with Cambridge Springs Police Department, and obtained another part time position with Vernon Township Police Department as a patrolman. In May of 1989 he was offered a full time position with Vernon and in 1990 was promoted to Sergeant, serving as Assistant Chief of Police. He was responsible for overseeing officer duties, patrol activities, and serving as officer in charge in the Chief's absence. He attended numerous police trainings and was a member of the Attorney General's Drug Task Force. In 1995 John was promoted to Vernon Township Police Chief until his retirement in 2007.

A member of the Shelby Mustang Ford Car Club, John was a former member of Meadville Rotary Club, PA Chiefs of Police Association, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 108, and Past President of F. Joseph Thomas Memorial.

John had a passion for classic cars and took pride in his 1962 Ford Galaxy. He enjoyed working in his yard and looking after the many rescue dogs he had over the years, especially his most recent Dolly. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren who affectionately called him Grandpa Chief and PaPa.

In addition to his wife, Joanne, John is survived by a daughter Brandy Rictor of Meadville; three step children Sheryl Lombardi (Jamie) of Meadville, Ananda Hornstrom, Adaena Tray (Chris) both of Pittsburgh; seven grandchildren Treelyn Kunz, Jacob Kunz, Silas Brown, Lynnea Lombardi, Abby Lombardi, Aylee Hornstrom, Cayden Gambone; a sister Gloria Klofft of Erie; nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by a brother Gary Rictor; and two nephews.

Visitation is 1-3 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where Funeral Services will follow at 3 PM with Rev. Jeff Conley officiating.

John will be laid to rest in Greendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in John's memory to Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 108, 161 Carringer St., Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 or Anna Shelter, 1555 E. 10th St., Erie, PA 16511.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com