Leonardo Riccardi

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Leonardo Riccardi

December 25, 1930 ~ November 7, 2020

Leonardo Riccardi departed from this earth November 7, 2020 from a broken heart due to missing his wife Sally, who passed three months prior.

Dad was born on December 25, 1930 in Sannicandro, di Bari, Italy to his parents Giovanni and Maddalena (Trotti) Riccardi. He was the oldest of two children; his sister Antonia Riccardi Jimerson preceded him in death.

Dad’s childhood was a happy one until he endured the pains of World War II. He was orphaned at the age of 13 and forced to quit school to work on the family farm. At the age of 21, he and his sister immigrated to America and lived with their father’s brother and his wife Uncle Rocco and Aunt Josephine Riccardi and their three sons Leo, Joe and John. Dad worked at American Beauty Macaroni Factory, where he met the love of his life, our mom Sally (Garcia) Riccardi. They married on August 1, 1959 and together they worked hard to provide their three children with a loving, safe and clean home. No man has ever loved a woman as much as Dad loved Mom. You could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He remained completely devoted and faithful to her always.  

Hands down, Dad was the hardest-working man we’ve ever known. He worked until his hands were blistered and bleeding and never complained. He worked many years at Old Home Bread until he retired. After he retired, he spent countless hours in his garden and meticulously maintained a beautiful yard.  

He is survived by daughter (the funny one) Victoria (Carl) Richards, son (his mini-me) Lenny Riccardi (Darci) and daughter (the director) Janette Riccardi;  grandsons  Rick Riccardi, Giovanni Riccardi (Maria), Spencer Burton and Vincent Riccard; granddaughter Halle Burton, step- granddaughters Kelsay and McKenzie Richards and great-granddaughters Lillyan Riccardi and Aria Riccardi.  

Special thanks to Giovanni Riccardi for his extra help caring for both of his grandparents in their final years. Our family also gives a special thanks to Dad’s in-home care givers, Wendy and Melanie, who have become part of our family.

Funeral services were held November 12, 2020 at Neil O’Donnell Funeral Home. Interment at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity, give your kids a hug and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.