Paul A Ricciardi

Dr. Paul A. Ricciardi MD, 56, of the Jefferson section of Holden , a well known and respected area oncologist passed away in his home with his cherished family at his side Sunday, April 18th 2010 after a long struggle with brain cancer. Dr. Ricciardi was born in Medford, on May 29th 1953, a son of Anthony and Raffaella "Ella" (Palumbo) Ricciardi. He graduated from Medford High School, earned his degree in Chemistry, Suma Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa Society from Boston College in 1975. Paul then became a member of the first class of 100 to attend and graduate from The University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. Upon graduation; Dr. Ricciardi became a resident in Internal Medicine at St Vincent Hospital, later choosing to specialize in Oncology at UMass Medical Center. He was always interested in helping his patients and people. He developed and pioneered the patient outreach program at many of the Worcester Area Hospitals outside of the City. He also served as Medical Director of Hospice for both the Greater Gardner Area and Southbridge. Paul loved to teach and was Associate Professor of Medicine at Umass. His last position was Associate Director of Medical Affairs for Icon Clinical Research in Lansdale PA., researching Medical Protocols and overseeing numerous Clinical Trials. In all these positions and titles nothing was more inspirational or important to him than helping his patients who were sick and throughout his difficulties his fundamental nature never changed, it was who he was, always about the patient and their well being. Dr. Ricciardi is survived by his devoted wife and beloved partner of 31 years, who met as students at Boston College; Kathleen M. (Lane) Ricciardi; his two sons, Daniel P. Ricciardi and his fiancée Hilary Couture of Holden and Michael E. Ricciardi of Leicester; his mother Raffaella "Ella" (Palumbo) Ricciardi of Manchester N.H.; four beloved siblings, Anthony Ricciardi of Peabody, Frank Ricciardi of Lynnfield, Vera Ippolito and Grace Paulo both of Manchester NH; his mother and father in law who thought of him as a son, Edward and Dorothy Lane of Methuen, his brother in laws Brian, Kevin and Dr. Leo Lane of Methuen and his two god children who meant the world to him, William Lane and Cody Ippolito; many Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends. Paul was a member of St. Mary's Church in Jefferson; a member and board of director with his wife Kathy of the Massachusetts Central Autism Society. A member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, The New England Cancer Society, and the American College of Physicians. He was Massachusetts Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Oncology. Paul's work and research was also published in many of the medical journals and magazines of his profession. Friends and family are invited to visit during calling hours Wednesday April 21st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester. A celebration of Life Mass will be held Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St. Jefferson. (Please proceed directly to church). Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Paul's name can be made to The Autism Resource Center of Central Mass, 71 Sterling St. West Boylston, 01583 or the Peter Black Neurosurgical Fund, care of the Boston Neurosurgical Foundation, 300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115