Rudolph Ricci

Ricci, Rudolph C., 89, formerly of Victor Ave, passed away peacefully October 4, 2008 at the Elmhurst Extended Care Facility. He was the husband of the late Virginia (DiCenso) Ricci. Born in Cranston on January 27, 1919, he was a son of the late Beniamino and Raffaela Ricci.

Rudolph served proudly in the US Army volunteering from 1940 - 1945. He served overseas in Europe and during the Battle of the Bulge, was captured and held by the Germans as a Prisoner of War. Rudy was one of the many Americans who was forced to march without food or shoes 80 miles through the snow. During these dreadful times of inhumanity and starvation he lost 80 lbs. He also was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge among other military honors and discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the DAV Chapter I and the Italian American War Veterans.

Following his discharge from the Army he worked at the A&P Bakery in Cranston for 25 years, also serving as president of Local #5, Bakery and Confectionery Workers for 20 years. He then worked for the RI Department of Transportation Cherry Hill garage until his retirement.

He is survived by his family, a son, Dr. John R. Ricci and his wife Janet, two grandchildren, Christina V. Ricci and Eric J. Ricci, all of Lincoln and several nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late Peter Ricci, Ernest Ricci and Dr. Benjamin Ricci, Phyllis Moretti, Lena Sindoni, Celia Matraccia, and Marie Matrone.

Rudy was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone who needed him and he did it with a smile. His infectious enthusiasm for life and splendidly outgoing personality probably helped him best when he was detained as a prisoner of war. Rudy never gave up on people and seeing their best qualities and he best exemplified the patriotism and idealism of The Greatest Generation in all that he did. Rudy's principles and love of country shaped his life and he persevered to choose his own way. There can be no greater celebration of a man's life than that. He adored his family, loved America and was a proud New York Yankees fan.

His funeral will be held Saturday at 10 AM from the ROBBINS FUNERAL HOME, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM in Church of the Presentation, 1081 Mineral Spring Ave. Entombment with full military honors will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Calling Hours Friday 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.