Joseph Riccio

Joseph Paul Riccio
"Papa Joe"
Born January 9, 1919
Passed June 11, 2011
Resident of San Leandro
Joseph was born in Castlefranco, Italy in 1919. He left Italy by ship, with his mother Cristina, older brother Frank and younger sister Sylvia, arriving at Ellis Island, America in 1926. His father Antonio had already settled in Chicago, Illinois in 1920 where he was employed, working to bring his family to join him. Joe was a big brother to both his sister Sylvia his little brother Ralph. Joe went to Cook County schools graduating from Christian Fenger High School. He went to work at Kroger's Grocers for 4 years until 1940 when he joined the Army Air Corps. He was eventually stationed at Wheeler Field in Pearl Harbor serving on the fighter plane Maintenance crew. After his Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1945, Joe returned to Western Electric Co Hawthorne plant in Chicago meeting the love of his life Florence. They married 1949 and stayed in California after their honeymoon. First settling in Berkeley, then Oakland where daughter Lydia was born in 1950. As the family grew they moved to a brand new home in the Washington Manor area of San Leandro in 1953. Twin sons Joseph James were born in 1953 followed soon after by Edward in 1954. Joe worked for Western Electric Co in Emeryville transferring to San Leandro. He had his own gardening business after he had finished his day at Western Electric. Sundays though were always family days which we all remember Papa's drives to fun spots after church. Dad was a very giving man who helped those who needed a helping hand. After retiring he Florence babysat their grandkids. St. Felicitas Church was the other family in his life. He also volunteered at St. Felicitas Church working on the grounds. He loved the conversations he had with all who stopped to greet him or ask a gardening question or how he could get back up from his kneeling position with no problem.
God has given us such a blessing in Papa Joe. His smile would melt the worst mood or annoying behavior. He loved God, loved his family, loved his church, all else fell into place. There is an empty spot in our hearts that can only be filled with the memories the knowledge that he is in a more wonderful place in a beautiful garden with no weeds. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Florence, brother Frank sister Sylvia. He is survived by daughter Lydia, sons Joe (Mina), Jim (Terry), Ed, Christine (daughter-in-law), granddaughter Heather, grandsons Cory, Tyler, Andrew, brother Ralph (Joan), nieces, nephews, numerous cousins close friends.
Thank you to all those who have walked the walk with Papa Joe his family. Too numerous to mention for fear we would unintentionally forget someone. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay, 561 A St, Hayward, Ca 94541 or your favorite charity.
Visitation will be held on Wed. from 2pm to 8pm at Grissom's Chapel, 267 E. Lewelling Blvd, San Lorenzo, Ca. Vigil Service will be held at 7pm at the Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be held Thur. at 10:30am at St. Felicitas Church, 1604 Manor Blvd, San Leandro. Burial will follow at St Augustine's Cemetery in Pleasanton.
Grissom's
Chapel Mortuary
510-278-2800
www.grissomsmortuary.com