In Memory of Anthony J. Ricci

Obituary

Anthony J. Ricci, age 96, of Schuyler and New Hartford, NY, passed to eternal peace after a brief illness January 22, 2018, with his daughter giving comfort through his last hours.

Anthony was born January 7, 1922, in the Town of Marcy, NY, as the eighth of ten surviving children of Pasquale and Maria Clemente Ricci. He was educated in the Richfield Springs and Holland Patent School Districts. He was initially employed at the Savage Arms in Utica, NY.

Tony joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, and was shipped to TX for training as an airplane mechanic. He was stationed in New Caledonia. His Americal Division followed the Marines northward to the Philippines. T-Sgt Ricci was stationed in Cebu City when the war ended, and was shipped to Japan with the occupational forces. Tony was honorably discharged November, 1945.

April, 1950, he married Helen Hight in Schuyler and began a farming business, A J Ricci Farms, and continued until Helen’s passing. As a child of the Great Depression, he developed a strong work ethic.

Anthony traveled with Helen – coast to coast. He appreciated the sites as they visited 42 states. He was an avid skier until age 89 and a familiar face at McCauley Mt.

He shared Civil War history with Beverly and visited sites from Gettysburg to GA. They loved Country music and visited TN to dance to country music. He also renewed his interest in Big Band music, and they attended local summer concerts and Veterans’ Legions for several years. He was also a member of the Utica Moose Lodge.

In 2006, Tony joined the Herkimer County Vets for a trip to Washington, DC to visit the WWII memorial. In 2009, he was presented his WWII medals by then Rep. Michael Arcuri. Medals were for the American and Asiatic Pacific Campaigns with three bronze stars to denote serving in combat zones. He was proud to be a member of the “Greatest Generation.”

Anthony is survived by his children and spouses: Beverly L. Ricci Floyd, New Hartford, Alan and Paula Ricci, Schuyler/Clermont, FL, Kevin and Cate Ricci, Schuyler, Daryl Ricci, Schuyler, and Cameron and Jo-Anne Ricci, Deerfield, and grandchildren: Thomas Manning, Derek Ricci, Jason Ricci, Victoria Ricci-Rivera, Kimberly Harper, Bethany Ricci, Brian Ricci, Jenelle Codianne, Brennan Ricci, Evan Ricci, Danielle Ricci and Andrew Ricci. There are also 10 great-grandchildren and two sisters-in-law: Jane Ricci, and Winifred Kane plus daughters-in-law: Bonnie Ricci and Theresa Ricci. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Anthony was predeceased by his parents, wife, Helen, son, Dwayne and siblings Dominick, Angelo, Michael, Peter, Lena Coniglio, Anne Hess, Joseph, Louis and Louise Patrick.

In 2014, Tony moved to Beverly’s home where he quietly lived the remainder of his life.

A special “thank you” to John Robertson, MD, A. Shatla, MD, Daughters for Hire, Barton North Wing’s staff at St Luke’s Home for all their kindness in caring for Anthony, and Father Hapanowicz for his prayers.

In accordance with Tony’s wishes, there are no public calling hours. A graveside service with full military honors is planned for the spring.

Arrangements are entrusted to Friedel, Williams, & Edmunds Funeral Home, Oxford Rd., New Hartford, NY. Please send tributes to the on-line guest book.

Anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in Anthony’s name, please consider the Feed Our Vets, 195-205 Genesee St., Utica, NY.

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go ….Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”

Dear Dad, Thank you for your kindness. I hope that I brought happiness to your life as you brought joy to mine. It was my pleasure having you live with me and enjoying your company for many years. Saying, “Goodbye” to you is the saddest moment of my life. God be with you. Love, Beverly.