Vincent F Ricciardi, Sr.

 Vincent F Ricciardi, Sr. 96 of Dennis port, formerly of Worcester, passed away Wednesday, January 30^th, 2019 surrounded by family.  

Vincent was born in Worcester, one of twelve children of Vito and Teresa (DeFalco) Ricciardi.  He graduated from Commerce High, and joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving his country proudly in Europe taking part in the invasion of Utah beach during D-Day.  Upon discharge from the Navy, Vincent married the “Love of his life” Mary Rinaldo and began their 60-year life of love  raising their family.   Vincent was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department and began his 30 plus year career on Hose 9 and retiring from South Division as Lieutenant of Ladder 2 in 1974.   They continued to live in Worcester until moving to their summer home in Dennis port on Cape Cod in 2000. 

Vincent’s wife 60 years Mary passed away in 2007.  He is survived by his three children, Vincent F. Ricciardi, Jr and his wife Catherine of Bolton, Carol Rano and her husband Robert of Worcester and Elaine Boike and her husband Sam of Northborough; eight grandchildren, he adored, Jennifer, Carina, Vincent III, Jonathan, Michael, Peter, David and Marialena; eight great grandchildren; A brother, Vito Ricciardi, Jr  two sisters, Rose Seed  and Gilda Dagostino all of Worcester;  Many nieces, nephews, extended family and his devoted  Basset lane neighbors whom he shared many happy hours with each day at 4 pm, Jack, Coach, Joe and Jeannie Mack.  Besides his parents and wife; a daughter, Linda passed away in 1952, five brothers, Emilio, Anthony, Alfred, Albert and John Ricciardi and three sisters, Mary Ricciardi, Phyllis Quinn and Lillian Baroni pre-deceased him.

Vincent a patriotic world war II Navy veteran of the “Greatest Generation” was a member of the Eastside Improvement Club, the Eastside Post 201 American legion, and Italian American Veterans of Foreign wars Post 3.  Notably, Vincent was a part of a little-known Naval exercise named exercise tiger, prior to the invasion of D-Day, celebrating its anniversary each April at Fort Tabor in New Bedford the honoree placing the wreath each year.  He was also honored to take part on an Honor Flight New England trip to Washington DC visiting the World War II and other memorials. Vincent also loved to golf when he could and found many enjoyable rounds everyday at Green Hill and the courses of the Cape, Dennis Pines and Highlands among others.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Friday, February 1^st, 2019, from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  his funeral will be celebrated Saturday, February 2^nd from the funeral home with a procession to St Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd Shrewsbury where his mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am.  Burial with military honors will follow in St John’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in his name can be made to EXERCISE TIGER FOUNDATION, c/o Abrams Company Burt’s Knights USABOT, 162 Summer Street, Arlington, MA 02474  or the Honor Flight New England, P.O. Box 16287, Hookset NH 03106.  

The Ricciardi family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Doctor’s and staff of Cape Cod Hospital Muger unit 3 for the care, comfort and compassion they gave to our father during a difficult time.