Raymond William Ricci

Raymond William Ricci, age 74, passed away June 29, 2023, at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Donna M. (McClelland) Ricci to whom he was happily married for 27 years.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Peter Ricci and Marie Ricci (Pontrelli).

At an early age, Raymond lost both his mother and his father. The loss of his parents left an indelible pain in his soul, but he persevered with the love of his two wonderful sisters and their families. Ray graduated from LaSalle Academy in 1967 and in 1969 received his Radio Telephone Operator Permit. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as radio disc jockey for WPRO radio, his dream job. A few short months later, however, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country honorably for the next four years. After Ray came home from the service and earned his degree at Rhode Island Junior College he began his career at Health-Tex where he rose through the ranks. While raising a young family he continued his education at night, eventually earning his degree from Providence College. After many years in the corporate world, he decided to venture out on his own. He acquired a Budget Blinds franchise, became his own boss, and loved every minute of it until his retirement in November of 2019.

Ray was a man of many passions including music, history, and the New York Yankees. As a constant learner, Ray always remained curious and loved sharing his wealth of knowledge with his family and friends. Always humble, he enjoyed the art of a good conversation. Above all else, Ray loved his ever-growing family and the friendships, both old and new, that spanned over 70 years. Ray would often share that one of his proudest achievements was that for four decades there was always someone in the house waiting to be spoiled by Santa Claus.

Raymond valiantly battled cancer for eight long years beginning in 2015 along with numerous other health issues. He faced all of the many challenges before him with grace, dignity, humility, and of course, humor. We were blessed to have him for eight wonderful years after his initial diagnosis and would like to thank the many doctors responsible for the care and compassion that he so richly deserved.

He was the father of Peter, Jenna, and Leigh Ricci; stepfather of Bradford Turbitt; grandfather of Brandon Vittner and David Raposa; and brother of Ann DiBoni (Jerry) and Patricia Giardino. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom he adored.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 8:30-10:00 am. in the Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home, 971 Branch Ave, Providence. Burial services will be private.

To honor the many doctors who, over the course of eight years, were responsible for the amazing care that he received, in particular his oncologist, Angela Taber, MD, contributions to the American Cancer Society are greatly appreciated. https://www.cancer.org/