Frank Riccardi Jr.

Frank was born on March 7, 1936, in Bronx, New York. He was the 6th child of Frank Riccardi, Sr. and Vita Eva LoPresti. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, brother Vincent Riccardi, sisters Gloria Petrilli, Zina Riccardi, and Lucille Corsetti, brother Emil Riccardi, and his son William J. Riccardi, as well his in-laws, Harold and Anita Kresge, and sister-in-law Karen Kresge-Nicholl.

Frank is survived by his wife of almost 32 years, Dawn (Kresge-Knight); his children Andrea Rose Riccardi of Weeki Wachee Florida; Steven Knight of Lakeland, Florida; Andrew J. Riccardi of Yonkers, NY, Frank J. Riccardi of Yonkers, NY; Valerie A. Riccardi of Maryland, as well as three grandchildren - Jennifer Dorsey and Jason Dorsey of Maryland, and Ashley Riccardi of New York.

Frank is also survived by two sisters, Frances Sollo of Long Island, NY and Vita Cuff of Florida, brother-in-law Buddy Kresge (Kim) of Jupiter, FL and sister-in-law Sandra Seely (Don) of Whitefield, ME. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces along with many great-nephews and great-nieces.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Frank followed in the steps of his father and brothers, developing and honing his skills in the construction industry. Frank worked on many of the buildings dotting the New York City skyline, including the now gone World Trade Center towers. Leaving New York in 1977, Frank headed West and spent several years out in Colorado before returning to the East Coast (Connecticut) in the late 80's. In 1990, he met Dawn Kresge-Knight, at a 4th of July picnic, and they married the following year. Following the birth of their daughter, Andrea, the family eventually moved out to Seattle, Washington for several years. In 1998, Frank and the family moved to Florida to join Dawn’s parents in Spring Hill. Frank, Dawn, Steven and Andrea lived in Spring Hill, Florida for 22 years, before Frank and Dawn moved to Homosassa, Florida in 2020 to enjoy "retirement".

As many know, Frank was never a "retirement" kind of guy. Although he may have slowed down some, Frank was still working around the family home and in the community helping neighbors with home repairs just prior to his passing. As family often said, Frank had "hands of gold", which he was happy to share with many. Frank (J.R.) loved fishing in his spare time: however, cooking was his ultimate passion. Many evenings and every holiday, Frank enjoyed preparing his specialties for family and friends with a glass of red wine at hand and Andrea Bocelli playing in the background.

Although Frank's passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many, we are still able to mourn with great hope. We know, as the scriptures teach, that all those who believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and have received Him as Lord, have eternal life. Frank’s spirit has passed into the presence of Almighty God and his corruptible body, though now lying in rest, will be raised incorruptible at the coming of the Son of God.

It’s only goodbye for now. Until we meet again dear husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.