Obituary of Peter P. Ricci

P. Paul Ricci passed away peacefully on September 21, 2010. He was born in Newfield, NJ to Peter and Sophia (Rossi) Ricci on October 4, 1918. He served during World War II as a Merchant Marine Officer in the Pacific and he and his four siblings, John, Archie, Carlo and Maryann (Nettie), bore the incredible distinction of serving their country during World War II in the United States and the Pacific and European Theatres. Married 69 years to his beloved wife Margaret (Pagliughi), they raised their children David, Jack and Amy with great love and hard work. He adored his grandchildren Andrew and Samantha and he always had his dogs "Butch and Sophie" by his side. He was a true renaissance man with a real zest for life. His accomplishments were numerous and he approached each task with great enthusiasm and optimism. Nothing was too difficult for Paul. He had multiple successful careers. He was successful in retailing and banking, and had a sincere advocacy for child education, serving on the Vineland School Board for a decade, before serving as President of the New Jersey School Boards Association. Following that he was appointed to the New Jersey State Board of Education, and served as President. He was a member of the Vineland Planning Board and a longtime member of the Newcomb Hospital Foundation Board where he also served as Chairman. He enjoyed being a member of the First Presbyterian Church on Maurice River, in Millville, where he had served as Elder. Big Hickory Farm was his passion, and he maintained as much as 175 acres, raising horses, cattle, and practicing forestry. He was also an accomplished woodworker. He is survived by his wife Margaret, children Amy Vendrasco, David and wife Carol Ricci, and Jack and wife Connie Ricci, grandchildren Andrew and Samantha Ricci, brothers and spouses Archie and Della Ricci, and Carlo and Kathe Ricci, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Sophia (Rossi) Ricci, his brother John, and his sister Nettie and her husband Col. Leo B. Smith, ASAF Ret He gave so much to us all. Paul was an inspiration to his family and friends and we will miss him greatly. A funeral home visitation will be held on Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Rone Funeral Service and a church visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 am followed by a funeral service from the First Presbyterian Church, 119 N. Second Street in Millville. Interment will follow in Siloam Cemetery, Valley Avenue, Vineland. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 119 N. Second St., Millville, NJ, 08332 or Cumberland County SPCA & Animal Shelter, 1244 N. Delsea Dr., Vineland, NJ 08360 or the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, 706 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com