Egidio A. Ricci

Egidio Augustine “Gene” Ricci, age 98, of Havertown, PA, passed away peacefully on April 25th, 2025.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Aug. 28, 1926, he was the loving son of the late Saverio and Lucia (née Fanelli) Ricci.

Gene was the beloved husband of 72 years (June 23rd) to the late Palma M. (née Amoroso) Ricci; loving father of Adonna Calabrese (the late Philip), Linda Griffith (the late Michael), Marlene Marino, Stephen Ricci (Carol), and Maria DeFelippes (Dean); adoring grandfather of James Dougherty (Suzy), Jacqueline Leo (Russell), Michael Dougherty, Danielle Marie Schwoerer (Justin), Nicholas DeFelippes, and Joseph DeFelippes; caring great-grandfather of Jacob Dougherty, Josselyn Dougherty, Alexa Dougherty, Michael Dougherty, Rosario Leo, Anthony Leo, and Rose Schwoerer; dear brother of the late Phyllis Aviolo, Rose Pyle, and Vincent Ricci.

Gene was a WW2 marine and was stationed on the USS Lexington for much of his tour. He witnessed the signing of Japanese surrender from his ship overlooking the Missouri.

At a very young age he learned the art of meat cutting in his Uncle Frank’s butcher shop in West Philadelphia. He mastered this trade, got a job at a local supermarket, and became a journeyman at the age of 16. At the age of 20 he started a job at Lang Graphic, which later merged with Lincoln Graphics, where he remained until he retired. He worked as an expeditor, processing printing orders then following through with the production, layout, and final proofing for ads in magazines and newspapers. He also worked on the printing production of original paintings.

He loved woodworking and created several pieces of fine furniture for everyone in the family. Whenever something was needed, he was more than eager to go to the workshop and make it. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church, Manoa since 1951 and used his woodworking talents to create whatever was needed for the chapel and church. He was a master at fixing everything and would offer his help to everyone. He was everyone’s Mr. Fixit.

Gene was a devoted husband and father and an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with them all, especially his great-grandchildren. He looked forward to every holiday, special occasion, and milestone celebration with them.

Gene enjoyed walking 2 miles almost every day up until the age of 90. At that point in time, he dedicated his days to caring for his loving wife, Palma, who had suffered a minor stroke.

He loved people and was always eager and attentive to hear what was going on in their lives. As a friend recently said, “he always made you feel more important than you were.” He enjoyed their company and they in turn thoroughly enjoyed being with him. Gene was the most caring, loving, giving person. His strength and courage were something to be admired. He lived his Christian faith and it shown through to everyone he knew. He will be missed and remembered by everyone, and he will always hold a very special place in their hearts.

Family and friends are invited to Gene’s Viewing 10:00-10:50 AM Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church, 105 Wilson Ave, Havertown, PA 19083, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.