Mr. Emerick J. Maurer, Sr., 85, died Friday, April 24, 2020 in Fernandina Beach, FL after a long illness.

Born in Stockton, NJ, on April 1, 1935, Rick was the youngest child of Rudolph and Anna Pecha Maurer, poor, but proud, immigrants, who raised their family during the Great Depression without a single handout. Like all Maurer�s, he made great use of what he was given, despite his humble beginnings.

After graduating in 1953 from Newark, NJ�s South Side High School, Rick served his country as a US Navy SeaBee, learning skills that led to a long career as a union electrician and contractor. Rick was known as a superior technician, job foreman and leader of men who taught his kids that goals are best met through hard work.

Rick could stretch a dollar. As a family, the Maurer�s camped, skied and traveled up and down the eastern seaboard. Not enough money for all to take skiing lessons? No problem. He�d take one and then teach everyone what he�d learned. No money to see the symphony? Never mind. We�ll watch the rehearsal for free.

In retirement, he took on one adventure after another, launching a cabinetry business with one son, riding his motorcycle the length of Route 66 and crisscrossing the US on his motorcycle several times. He bicycled the 250-mile Colorado Courage Classic and skied 50 days each season throughout the Rockies and Europe in search of the perfect run. In later years, as his body began to fail, he seemed even more unstoppable. He fought hard and came back several times even when doctors said it couldn�t be done.

Rick�s wife, Jean, died in 1989. He leaves behind his children, Susan Christensen, of Allentown, NJ, Diane (Joe) Rotondo of Aurora, CO, Michael (Donna) Maurer of Annandale, NJ and Rick (Ismerie) Maurer, Jr. of Fernandina Beach, FL; grandchildren, Matthew Christensen, Victoria Rotondo, Natalie Rotondo, Johnathan Maurer and Ryan Maurer and a large extended family many of whom recall him as the coolest uncle that ever lived.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those interested, donations can be made in Rick Maurer, Sr.�s memory to Nassau County Community Band, Inc. PS Box 15007, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.