Obituary

Frederick “Ricky” G. Schalk, 73, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on 7-May-2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Ricky grew up in Levittown, NY. Ricky fathered two girls, Dawn (Troccoli) & Tracy (Mishkin). He coached their bowling team and their softball teams. He loved his two girls with all his heart.

Ricky lived on Long Island until 1991, when he moved to Arizona. Ricky met his beautiful wife Billye while line dancing and they have never had another dance partner since. He also inherited two sons, Doug and Brad. Billye and Ricky loved to travel, visit with their kids and grandkids. They loved spending time with ALL of their friends, whether it was going out to eat or going dancing, they enjoyed it all.
Ricky was a jack of all trades. Just to list a few, he was a fireman in NY, a gasoline truck driver, and retired in his favorite job ever as CO and supporting SWAT team member in Maricopa County. Along the way, Ricky picked up several other trades and was skilled working with his hands. Every job he had he put his whole heart into.

One of Ricky’s biggest loves in life was music. He spent many years playing the drums and never lost his passion. Ricky played softball and enjoyed golfing and bowling. He took great pride in his two prized Hole in One’s and also achieving a 300 ring.
Ricky had a special way to touch people’s lives that he came in contact with. He was that type of person who could just walk up to any stranger and strike up a conversation. Whether you spoke to him in line at the store or you knew him for your whole life, he left an impression on you. His personality was infectious. If he saw someone do something great he had to let them know. Nothing was left unsaid.
Ricky was predeceased by his mother Norma and Father Frederick Schalk.

He is survived by his wife Billye Schalk. His Siblings Janet and Frank Tricario, Connie and Al Fardella and Roger and Marie Schalk. His kids Dawn and Dave Troccoli, Tracy and Keath Mishkin, Doug and Candance Knight, Brad Knight. His Grandkids Joseph, Kory, Kayle, Nathan, Lauren, Alyssa, Zakary, Colton, Dakota and Haley. His Great-Grandkids Warren, Harper and Lanny.

The Family has requested a celebration of life in honor of Ricky’s “life of the party” spirit. It will be held in NY and AZ, as opposed to a traditional funeral service. We request all of Ricky’s loved ones to join us in celebrating his beautiful life. New York will be in August and there will be two celebrations in Arizona. Specific dates, times and locations will be provided at a later date.