Linda Ricciardi- Gazal

Linda Ricciardi-Gazal, 70, of East Harwich and Worcester passed away surrounded by loved ones, Friday, October 25th, 2024, on the Cape after a series of Health Challenges.

Linda was born in Worcester, one of six children of Francis “Frank” and Antoinette “Toni” (Rondinone) Ricciardi. Raised in Worcester, Linda graduated from North High School and later in life earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Anna Maria College. She went on to work over 30 years for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, most of which in the UMASS Medical School Drug of Abuse Lab before retiring in 2012. Her life rooted in Worcester, Linda, with her love for sandy beaches, salt air, the peace, pace and sea drew her to spend so much time on the Cape, that she and Artie, recently decided to make their summer home permanent and moved to East Harwich, where she spent her final days at the home she loved. 

Linda is survived by the “love of her life” and partner of 38 years, Artie Gazal; the three children she cherished and found so much joy with, Sheila Ricciardi-Ferraiuolo of Northboro, Steven P. Ricciardi and his wife Carrie of North Truro, and Kimberly Gazal of Barnstable; the apple of her eye and granddaughter who lovingly called her “Noni”, Annabella. She additionally leaves five siblings, a sister and best friend, Annunzia Ricciardi-Grilla and her husband Marc of Worcester, four brothers, Francis “Butch” Ricciardi and his wife Patricia of Shrewsbury, Paul Ricciardi and his wife Debbie of Onset, James Ricciardi and his wife Sharon of Shrewsbury, and Michael Ricciardi of Plymouth; a sister-in-law, Deborah Silva; Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Linda a giving woman, and breast cancer survivor, who had a huge heart, giant smile, and giving way to help others, volunteered her time with St John’s Church Food for the Poor, and the Red Cross. She loved the arts, traveling abroad, sewing, crafts, painting, fun times with her cousins and girlfriends and dining out. She was the matriarch of her family, remained devoted to them through life, and enjoyed having her family around her during the holidays, special occasions, family Italian traditions and gatherings at her brother’s farm where they could all be together. 

 Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours, Monday, November 4th, from 4 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester. Her funeral will be held Tuesday, November 5th from the funeral home with a procession to St John’s Church, 36 Temple Street where her celebration of Christian burial Mass will be held at 10:00 am. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in her name be made to the St John’s Food for the Poor, 20 Temple Street Worcester or the Dana Farber Cancer Center, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston.