David Martin Riker

David Martin Riker, age 88, of Mechanicsburg, PA, died on April 17, 2024. David was born on April 1, 1936, in Princeton, NJ to Isaac Russell Riker and Gladys (Murray) Riker.

David's survivors include his wife Patricia (Roderick) Riker of Mechanicsburg, PA; his children Julie Riker of Camp Hill, PA, David Riker of North Potomac, MD, and Martin Riker of St. Louis, MO; his daughters-in-law Angela Riker and Danielle Dutton; and his six grandchildren John, Jeffrey, Nathaniel, Elijah, Christopher, and Isabella.

David graduated from the Hun School in Princeton, NJ and Lafayette College in Easton, PA. He worked as a civil engineer for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for 36 years and then enjoyed a long and active retirement with his family. He enjoyed volunteering at the Cumberland County Historical Society and Ecumenical Food Pantry, serving as a trustee of the Holland Society of New York, and traveling extensively with his wife.

David had a lifelong fascination with history and ancestry, which led him to research and publish many articles and books on Colonial Dutch ancestry. He was able to share his knowledge and expertise as a genealogist with hundreds of people interested in learning about their own family histories.

David was an exceptionally kind and patient man who is deeply loved by his family and will be very fondly remembered.

David’s wife and children will be remembering his life privately. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in celebration of David's life can be made to the Harrisburg Area Food Pantry, located at 2135 N. 6^th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Donations can be mailed to the address or made online at www.hfoodpantry.org.