Obituary of Florence A. Riker

Florence A. Riker “Bunny”, 87, passed away on December 19, 2022.  Florence was born in Jersey City, NJ and was a long-time resident of Denville, NJ.

Bunny was an elementary school teacher, in Jersey City for 3 years, then at Lakeview School in Denville for 39 years. During her career she was recognized numerous times for her accomplishments. She also helped prepare the next generation of teachers through mentoring and student teaching programs at the College of Saint Elizabeth, Paterson State College, Montclair State College, and Fairleigh Dickinson University.

If she wasn’t your teacher in school, she probably taught you to swim while serving as an instructor and Director of the Indian Lake swim program.

Bunny also served her community in a variety of roles. She volunteered with the Denville Beautification Committee, Denville Deer Management Committee, Special Olympics, Ayers-Knuth Farm Association, and as President of the Denville Friends of the Library.

Bunny was predeceased by her husband Robert “Bob” Riker, parents Arthur Baggot and Mary Orr, brothers Arthur and Tommy Baggot, and her sister Ann Daley. Bunny is survived by her sons Marc Riker, Kevin Riker and his wife Melissa, Leonard Riker and his wife Amy; her grandchildren Derek, Dylan, and Chandler; her sister, Marie Squire; and many nieces and nephews.

Bunny’s funeral will be conducted from Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ www.normandean.com.  (Please share a memory of Bunny on website) Relatives and friends will be received on Friday, December 23rd at the Funeral Home from 4 - 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial Service will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville NJ on Saturday, December 24th at 10 am. In lieu of flowers a donation to either the Denville Beautification Committee, 1 Saint Mary's Place, Attn: Irene, Denville, NJ 07834 or by clicking here or to Ayers-Knuth Farm Association, P. O. Box 304, Denville, NJ 07834 or by clicking here, would be appreciated.