The lion may leave this earth, but his courage, wisdom, and heart remain eternal.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our patriarch, Alric “Ricky” Battiste. Ricky was born on July 20, 1935, in Christiansted, St. Croix, VI, to Antoinette Michael and Adolph Battiste.
He spent his early life growing up in Christiansted town. In 1953, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was a proud veteran who loved to share stories, often beginning with, “When I was in the Army…”
Ricky later became the Chief of Tax at the Department of Labor, where he retired after 28 years. As astute as he was, he was also a jokester—he loved making people laugh, and he kept his sense of humor alive until the very end with his facial expressions and eyebrow raises.
He loved fishing, the ocean, swimming in Lil’ Bay, raising horses, boxing, playing dominoes, taking his family mango picking, trimming his bougainvillea hedges, and exploring every corner of St. Croix on Sunday drives with his wife and children.
Ricky was a natural storyteller, and his tales of adventure, mischief, and life’s lessons will live on through his children and grandchildren. His ear for music was impeccable, and he could often be heard singing or humming. He was a playwright and had a deep love for the arts.
The love he had for his beloved wife, Cynthia, could only be written among the stars. If you were lucky enough to witness his adoration, then you know the depth of his devotion.
To his family, Ricky was a true legend. He taught them how to survive, be good men and women, and so many other life lessons. He adored his wife and children, and he cherished his grandchildren—teaching them to tie their shoes, add and subtract, swim, and even box! His stories, guidance, and love form a legacy that will continue for generations, and his family will carry his spirit forward.
On February 28, 2026, he transitioned surrounded by the love of his family, whom he adored so deeply. Ricky is survived by his wife: Cynthia G. Battiste; sons: Alvie Batiste, Ashton Battiste, Jason Battiste, and Amad Battiste; daughters: Ellarine Battiste, Sherri Battiste, Andrea Battiste, Sharnelle Samuel Molloy, Shayla Hicks, Astral Battiste, and Vanessa Battiste; sons-in-law: Robert Molloy and Dwayne Nesbitt; grandchildren: Brandon Batiste, Tyler Humphrey-Batiste, J’Noah Battiste, Gerald Gifft, Shawn Vialet, Clifton Farrington, Jordan Battiste-Glasgow, Adam Griffiths, Fasina Talib, Ifamajente Talib, A’Nai Richards, Elise Molloy, Aveda Torres, Sincere Hicks, Avani Hicks, and Michael Hicks; great-grandchildren: Alexander Batiste, Asher Farrington, Micah Farrington, and Lenox Glasgow; brother: Robert Brow; sister: Leota Somme; sisters-in-law: Christina Rudinsky, Marie Fontenelle, Marylene Prose, Lucille Antonio, Loretta Hunte, Flora Gonsalves, Lucretia Ferdinand, and Magdalene Alfred; brothers-in-law: Athanese Samuel, Steven Samuel, Gregory Samuel, and James Samuel; nieces and nephews: Robert Brow, Jr., Oralee Brow, Maureen Battiste, Yvette Lucinda Battiste, Victor Somme, Troy Somme, Cecilia Rudinsky-Rouse, Joseph C. Rudinsky; Cynthia LaForest, and Michelle Rudinsky-Woods; along with many other family members, too numerous to name. Cherished friends include Abdul Ali, Leonardo Richards, Ervin Smith, and the Lil’ Bay Family.
Ricky was preceded in death by his parents: Antoinette Michael and Adolph Battiste; his brothers: Elroy Brow, Eciedro Battiste, and Adolph Battiste, Jr.; his son: Alric Battiste, Jr.; his niece: Renee Somme; and his grandson: Leighton Batiste.
The family extends deepest appreciation to our caregivers: Nattejah Farrell and Divincia Parris, and the Continuum Care team for every moment of kindness and loving care. To all our family friends, while we are unable to mention you each by name at this time, please know we sincerely appreciate all the love, compassion, and support you have shown to our family and we thank you for your prayers, kind words, and acts of love.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and honor a man whose life was a testament to living fully, faithfully, and with fortitude.
Thursday, March 19; Viewing: 9 a.m., Funeral Service: 10 a.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 27 King St., Christiansted, St. Croix 00820.
Please send tributes to alricmbattiste@outlook.com by March 9.
Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
