White Plains, NY – Paul Emory Rikert, 96, of White Plains, New York, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026, at United Hospice in Clarkstown, New York. He lived a remarkable life marked by professional achievement, a love of adventure, a passion for aviation and skiing, and lasting friendships. He will be remembered for his dedication, adventurous spirit, and the many stories he delighted in sharing with family and friends.
Paul was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, on March 19, 1930, to Bertha Monsees and Emory Rikert. During the Great Depression, his family moved to his mother’s family farm in Dutchess County. In 1934, they relocated to East Northfield, Massachusetts.
Paul attended Mount Hermon School and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Massachusetts in 1953. He fulfilled his military obligation by completing U.S. Air Force flight training and serving as a first pilot, flying C-119F and C-119G aircraft on military missions and nighttime troop-drop exercises. A man of precision and determination, he was the highest instrument-rated pilot in his class.
In 1956, Paul began his civilian career as a mathematician before joining Raytheon in Massachusetts, where he worked on flight-test analysis for the Air Force’s Doppler navigation system. He later pursued a career in computer programming, holding programming and management positions at SDC, Systems Development Corporation,in California, New York, and Ontario, Canada. During this time, he contributed to the SAGE air defense system and held top-secret Department of Defense security clearances with three different employers.
In 1966, Paul joined IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York, beginning a distinguished career that continued until his retirement in 1992. In 1967, he developed a handbook for estimating programming costs that became required reading for an IBM task force studying programming practices worldwide. He later transferred to IBM’s Field Engineering Division headquarters in White Plains, New York.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul pursued his many interests with enthusiasm. An avid skier, airplane and hang-glider pilot, cyclist, and classic car collector, he approached each pursuit with the same dedication and adventurous spirit that defined his career. He taught skiing at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was a charter associate member of the International Skiing History Association. He also served as a director of the U.S. Hang Gliding Association for 25 years, held an advanced hang-gliding pilot rating, and received a presidential citation in recognition of his 20 years as chairman of the association’s bylaws committee. In 1965, he was ordained as a Presbyterian elder.
Paul also believed in giving back to his community. For 30 years, he volunteered as a golf marshal at Westchester Country Club. He enjoyed recounting his experiences and adventures, sharing a lifetime of fascinating pursuits and memorable moments with those around him.
Paul is survived by his children, Susan Rikert and David Rikert; David’s partner, Tanya Harper; his granddaughter, Sarah Heming; his nephew, Darrell Rikert, Darrell’s wife, Maricel, and their son, Emory; and his niece, Jennifer Rikert.
Paul will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His adventurous spirit, professional dedication, generosity, and gift for storytelling will live on in the many cherished memories he leaves behind.
There will be a graveside service with military honors on Wednesday, October 28, at 11:00 A.M. at the Mount Hermon Cemetery, Main Rd., Northfield, Ma.
Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave., Northfield, Ma is assisting the family with arrangements.
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