Leonardo Riccardi's Obituary
Leonardo Riccardi departed from this earth November 7, 2020 from a broken heart due to missing his wife Sally who passed three months prior.
Dad was born on December 25, 1930 in Sannicandro, di Bari, Italy to his parents Giovanni and Maddalena (Trotti) Riccardi. He was the oldest of two children, his sister Antonia Riccardi Jimerson preceded him in death.
Dad’s childhood was a happy one until he endured the pains of WWII. He was orphaned at the age of 13 and forced to quit school to work on the family farm where they grew olives and almonds. At the age of 21 he and his sister immigrated to America and lived with their father’s brother and his wife, Uncle Rocco and Aunt Josephine Riccardi and their three sons Leo, Joe and John. Dad worked at American Beauty Macaroni Factory where he met the love of his life, our mom, Sally (Garcia) Riccardi. They married on August 1, 1959 and together they worked hard to provide their three children with a loving, safe and clean home. No man has ever loved a woman as much as dad loved mom. You could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He remained completely devoted and faithful to her always. We often watched them dancing with each other around the house and they were very entertaining to watch when they heard music playing, making a dance floor where ever they were.
Hands down dad was the hardest working man we’ve ever known. He worked until his hands were blistered and bleeding and never complained. He worked many years at Old Home Bread until he retired. After he retired, he spent countless hours in his garden and meticulously maintaining a beautiful yard. Dad could also be found either reading anything about history or watching the History Channel. When we were children, he would drive us on summer adventures, always getting lost, but still finding a way to have fun. To us our dad signified a patriarch, leader, teacher, hero and friend.
He is survived by daughter (the funny one) Victoria (Carl) Richards, son (his mini-me) Lenny Riccardi (Darci) and daughter (the director) Janette Riccardi. Grandsons: Rick Riccardi, Giovanni Riccardi (Maria), Spencer Burton and Vincent Riccardi. Granddaughter Halle Burton, Step- granddaughters Kelsay and McKenzie Richards and two great-granddaughters: Lillyan Riccardi and Aria Riccardi. Special thanks to Giovanni Riccardi for his extra help caring for both of his grandparents in their final years. Our family also gives a special thanks to dad’s in-home care givers, Wendy and Melanie, who have become part of our family.
Dad, words cannot convey the amount of thanks we want to express for everything you did for all of us. Your courage, your mischievousness and sense of humor. We know that you are with mom, your dance partner, now and making the clouds a dance floor.
Funeral services will be held November 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Neil O’Donnell Funeral Home, 372 East 100 South, where friends may call one-hour prior. Interment, Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and T Street.
Due to the pandemic we are politely requesting the wearing of masks and practicing social distance.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to your favorite charity, give your kids a hug and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.
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