Frank Riccio Jr.

Frank Riccio Jr. (Ricky) 72, of Guilford, was reunited with his Mom (Joyce) and his Dad (Frank) on December 12, 2024. He was born November 22, 1952 in New Haven. He is survived by his sister Mary (Harry, Gilbert) Russo of Killingworth, and brother John (Carrie) Riccio of Simsbury. Nephews Harry, Adam (Angela) and Michael Russo, and Alexander (Kristin) and Aaron Riccio. Nieces Joyce (Joe) Lyons and Emily (Alessandro) Maiola. Great Nephews Gunnar and Aiden Russo, Tanner Quinn, Knight and Clark Riccio. Great Nieces, Kali, Rachel and Taylor Russo and Gabrielle Quinn. His embrace also extended to the many members of Sarah Seneca’s staff and His housemates at ‘Horseshoe’ - Kyler, Robin, Jenn and John, and his many friends at the Lumibility Day program in Madison.

Lovingly known as “The Mayor”, Frank dressed daily in suit and tie, enjoyed a hot cup of coffee, & being on the job. His devotion to his family was unparalleled. Growing up in Hamden, he served as an altar boy at Blessed Sacrament Church, played on the swings at Hamden Plains Park, was a boy scout, proudly marching in many Memorial Day parades down Dixwell Ave. He tirelessly served as Batboy for the Whitney Blake Allstars that his Dad played for and coached. He enjoyed extra-curricular activities at Contie School in New Haven, and Catechism at St Boniface Church where he made his Holy Communion. He attended New Haven Regional Center programs, and participated in the Special Olympics, proudly earning many gold and silver medals in swimming, speed walking, and golf.

Frank had an intense work ethic. Even on the weekends he would say: “Monday I go back to work.” His many purposes at Good Will Easter Seals kept him close to coworkers and gave him fulfillment in having a job. Covid forced him to retire in 2020, but he continued to be active at Lumibility, accompanied by a walker.

His favorite pastimes were dancing, bowling and watching Wrestling. His endless energy to remain on the dance floor at all the wonderful social events over the years will remain in many memories. His well practiced skill of Bowling began when his mom took him to Amity Bowl in the 1960’s and continued in many bowling establishments until 2020. His knowledge of wrestling and ability to mimic the likes of John Cena, The Rock, Hulk Hogan and many others brought great joy, and meeting Sgt. Slaughter with his dad was a highlight.

It was always important for us to know, his ‘birthday was coming up’, and the blessings that went with the 72 of them. He continued to laugh through the decades with Lucille Ball and the Three Stooges, and always enjoyed a good breakfast at the Brownstone Restaurant where he would talk about the TV characters he loved.

Trips with family to Florida, Canada, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Santas Village, Clark’s Trading Post are savored through pictures, but his airplane ride to California was his trip of a lifetime.

Frank was an Angel sent by God to teach us LOVE! Everyone he ever met, was a beneficiary, from family, friends, acquaintances, Doctors, Nurses, Walmart employees to the person who held a door for him at his favorite coffee shop, Dunkin Donuts.

The family would like to thank the dedicated members of every organization he ever was a part of, for your compassionate treatment of Frank and your devotion of care that help give Frank a Great Life! He made sure you ALL knew how special you were to him. He sends kisses to you all.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Saturday Dec. 21st at St. Lawrence Church, 7 Hemlock Dr., Killingworth, CT. Calling hours will be held at the church on Saturday from 9-10:45 prior to the mass. Burial will follow at Beaverdale Cemetery, New Haven.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

Sarah Seneca Horseshoe House

24 Horseshoe Rd., Guilford , Ct. 06437