2022 -- H 7960

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LC005453

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ROBERT RICCI

     Introduced By: Representatives Craven, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Filippi, Ajello, and
Tanzi

     Date Introduced: March 08, 2022

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Robert Ricci,

the devoted husband of Josephine "Jo" Marie Ricci for nearly fifty-seven years until she sadly

passed in 2013, and the father of Sharon Flanders and her husband, John Flanders, MD, his son

and best friend, Steven Ricci, with whom he resided throughout his illness, and his eldest son, the

late Bob Ricci. He was also the very proud grandfather of Nina Rose Ricci and Victoria Hannah

Flanders; and

     WHEREAS, Born in the City of Providence, "Bob" as he was fondly known, was the son

of the late Mildred and John Ricci, Sr. and the brother of the late John Ricci, Jr., and Ralph Ricci.

He attended Central High School, where he was a stand-out athlete as an all-state wrestler and all-

state football player, and more importantly, it was when he met his future bride. Upon graduation

from high school, he served our country with honor and played football in the United States

Marine Corps before returning stateside and marrying Jo in 1956; and

     WHEREAS, Utilizing the G.I. Bill, Mr. Ricci attended Providence College, while

working several part-time jobs to support his family. In all, he subsequently attained a very

inspiring five degrees from PC and RIC, and traveled to night school to attain his PhD from the

University of Connecticut; and

     WHEREAS, A staunch supporter of education, Mr. Ricci was employed in myriad

scholastic areas including, teacher, guidance counselor, Director of Curriculum, and eventually as

Superintendent of the Providence School Department. After retiring from Providence, he and his

wife moved to Quincy, Massachusetts during the week, where he served as Superintendent of the

Quincy School department for several years before returning to Rhode Island where he served as

interim Superintendent in the Johnston and West Warwick school districts; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Ricci was on the RI Department of Health Dental and

Chiropractic Boards and the Rhode Island College Alumni Association, and later during his well-

earned retirement, he began painting, enjoyed competing with his wife on daily crossword

puzzles, working on numerous yard and home construction projects, attending Mass, and

spending quality time with family and friends; and

     WHEREAS, Bob Ricci was a kind and humble gentleman who "never had an unkind

word to say about anyone." He enjoyed the loyalty, support, and love of his family and many

friends including his Romeo friends and Louis Marciano, and he always had a warm and genuine

smile for members of the Kent Hospital staff, and at the Providence VA Hospital, especially

Jennifer Oullette, DNP and oncologist Nancy Freeman, MD. He is dearly missed and will forever

be remembered; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

extends deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing of Robert Ricci; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Sharon Flanders and Family, and Steven Ricci

and Family.

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