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Francis S. Riccardelli
Francis S. Riccardelli
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Francis Riccardelli Obituary
Francis S. Riccardelli was the vertical transportation manager at the World Trade Center complex, the man in charge of all the elevators and escalators. He loved his job so much it scared his colleagues.
"One guy said, 'I used to duck Francis all the time because he would come up with all these projects and they would always involve so much work,' " said his wife, Theresa Riccardelli.
At home in Westwood, N.J., with Theresa and their five children, though, Mr. Riccardelli, 40, had no problem enlisting volunteers. When he went to Home Depot, 5-year- old Genevieve would ride in the shopping cart and help pick out tools. When he was taking down a wall in their house, 3-year-old Zachary would bang away at it with his plastic hammer.
"He was always planning fun thing to fun thing," Mrs. Riccardelli said. "He'd get up Saturday morning and make pancakes. Friday was movie night ‹ we'd all pile into our bed with popcorn and watch a movie together. Saturday was game night."
Mr. Riccardelli had just bought a huge trailer and hoped the whole family would hike the Grand Canyon someday. "It was going to be the start of a new project," Mrs. Riccardelli said. 'Exploring America."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
James Higgins
September 13, 2023
Thinking about you today Jim
Lori Shaver
September 12, 2023
I think of you and your family so often. Hope you are well. Lori Shaver, Adirondack IceHawks
Angela
September 11, 2023
Remembering his sacrifice and your loss.
September 11, 2023
Never forgotten. You are remembered and honored. May God provide peace and comfort to those suffering your absence. May you rest in peace
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Natalia
September 11, 2023
Thinking of your family today
Christopher Powers
September 11, 2023
Thinking of you and Francis!
Arlne Phayre
September 11, 2015
Dear Theresa and family ~ Thinking of you on the 14th anniversary of the day America held her breath. You are an amazing mom who stood strong and raised a beautiful family. I know Francis is smiling upon you all as you continue the journey here with great faith in knowing he is with God and that peace is found in the loving memories you share and the promise that one day you will be together again. Love and peace to you all.
James Higgins
August 11, 2015
Theresa,
I have continued to follow the wonderful story of you and your children over the past 14 years. I admire your continued dedication to Francis and your children. I am from Bergen County. I wish very much to help in any way you need. Please contact me. [email protected] Jim
Kim Donaldson
September 11, 2014
I think of you and your children every 9/11 anniversary. I was so happy to have hopefully provided you all with a proper Christmas after that fateful, horrible day. I know it will never replace your loss, but if it made even one of your children smile for even a moment it was my pleasure. God bless you all and I hope you are doing well. I will always remember you every year for the rest of my life.
Lori Shaver
May 27, 2014
Theresa and family, I think of you often and will never forget you. I pray for you and hope you are doing well.
Santiago Guzman
July 16, 2013
I will always remember you as the friend that never said no.
Maureen Murray
September 16, 2011
Francis is truly a hero of 9/11. And, as the priest said at his memorial service, it is because of how he spent his life every day. His decisions on that last day were just like his decisions every other day. Do what he could do to help. His work between the 1993 bombing and the 2001 bombing helped untold numbers of people escape. His calm presence that day saved more. His courage and bravery are unsurpassed.
Y'know, in "normal" life, I think of Francis every time I slice a watermelon. He always encouraged giving big pieces of watermelon...so that you wouldn't end up with half a watermelon leftover! Ten years have passed, already and yet soooo long. I love you, Theresa and Family
Marai Ricciardelli Greco
September 11, 2011
I just heard your loved one's name read at the 9/11 Memorial and was so surprised. My maiden name is Ricciardelli, but some of our relatives from Italy, left out the second i in our name so I think we may somehow be related. You are in my thoughts and prayers today
Karen Llera
September 11, 2011
To Francis' family,
Thinking of you all today. I work for the Simkins companies, as did Francis' mom. So, although I never met Francis and only talked to his mom on the phone every once in awhile for work, before they closed our Ridgefield plant, I wanted you to know that I think of you often. I've read some of the articles and interviews since 9/11 and I'm glad you've found your way to celebrate Francis' life and I hope you find comfort that even strangers honor his memory and hope that his family is OK. What he did to help people get out of WTC in 1993 and 2001 isn't forgotten. I know he is missed by those who love him and I know that there are many people who are grateful to him for being there for them.
Michael Riccardelli
December 30, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
kristine
April 17, 2007
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
February 15, 2007
In memory....
Angela Ellis
September 11, 2006
Mrs.Riccardelli and family,
Even though you do not know me I feel that I know you.You see, after 9-11 ,I requested a remembrance bracelet from an organization thru Billy Graham. I received a bracelet with your husband's name Frances S.Riccardeli PAPD. I have worn it for the past 4 1/2 years.Countless times I have rubbed my fingers over his name and prayed for his family. I know that these words can never ease the lose that you have suffered , but I offer them anyway.They are from a friend after my youngest brother died at age 17 in 2000. "Some die without having really lived, while others continue to live,in spite of the fact they have died." I believe that your husband continues to live thru you and your children. I have read enough about him to realize what a remarkable man he was. I pray that my words do not upset you or cause you any pain. I just wanted you to know that others think about and pray for you and you family. Thank you for your strength and courage and for that of your husband.
God bless you
Regina D'Innocenzi
May 28, 2006
Dear Theresa,
I was just listening to a John Denver CD I borrowed from Mike, and when "Like a Sad Song" came on, I started crying. I won't tell you why. You know that already. But it struck me that tomorrow is Memorial Day, and I wanted to write this tribute to Fran, and to wish for you and your kids something wonderful, that no one can give and money can't buy. I don't know what it could be, but it will make you happy.
In friendship,
Karen Gandet
September 9, 2004
Dear Theresa and children,
The photo of you and your beautiful
children is amongst all of our photos on our refrigerator door....
you inspire all of us. May you always find comfort knowing people pray for your continued strength and may the happy memories of your husband carry you through your lives together. Warmest regards...
Donna DiCuffa
September 8, 2004
Dear Theresa and Family,
Nearly three years have passed since 9/11/01, and I just want you to know that I think of you and your courageous family nearly every day and continue to pray for you.
You are an inspiration to me and to my family, and I admire your strength and sweet spirit.
God Bless you, Theresa.
Donna, Aldo and Kids
Mary Milns
September 11, 2003
Dear Teresa: I am Admin Assistant in the Sales and Trade Marketing Department of Sara Lee Household and Body Care USA, located in Exton, PA, and work with your friend Cathleen McCormick. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this day, September 11, 2003. May you gather strength each day to move forward and pursue the dreams that Francis had for you and your children.
Debra Amatuccio
October 2, 2002
Dear Francis,
I want you to know just how much you meant to Joe. He always talked very highly of you (right Joe). Hopefully he's right there with you. If so, and I hope so, Theresa and I both need you two to help us get through this. We miss you guys so much and don't know how we are going to get through the rest of our lives without you two. I want you also to know how very lucky we were to have husbands like the both of you. Please take care of each other and hopefully one day we can all be together again.
God Bless you Francis and say hello to Joe for me.
Barb Albert
September 18, 2002
On September 11 of this year, my choir sang Mozart's Requiem in Columbus, Ohio, in honor of those who passed away one year ago. Each of us chose a name to wear that day as we sang.
I chose Francis. As I wore his name that day and as we lifted our voices to God, I prayed for your family.
My prayers are still with you. It may be a small consolation, but do know that your husband's memory is still kept alive, and that in the sacred hush after we finished singing, my thoughts were with you.
I pray that God keeps holding you close, and that He sustains you in His love, and meets your every need.
John and Angie Nelson
September 11, 2002
We miss Fran. We include Fran, Theresa and their family in our prayers.
Our prayers are with you!
Michael Iezzi
August 9, 2002
May God shine his light on you and your family.
Kelly Coyne
August 7, 2002
Dear Theresa and Children:
I hope someday your pain will be lessened by God. I think of you all quite often. Im sorry Francis is no longer with you, but you have the best guardian angel anyone could ever ask for.
Lisa Stabile
July 20, 2002
Dear Theresa, this legacy web site is new to us, since losing my nephew Anthony this April. I came across the page for 9/11 and looked through the names and I saw Westwood and clicked onto Francis. I've read the life story and your guest book. I hope for you that in some way it helps to read such great thoughts about your Husband. I know when I'm having a day where Anthony NOT being here just gets so consuming I look at his page and read all the letters to him and it does help in small and bigger ways. I want you to know that I still keep you and your family in my prayers. Doreen R was the first to tell me about Francis and since then I have prayed for you to have strength and guidance. I think of you often.. I hope you and your family are enjoying your summer.May God love all of you always!!!!! and keep you well and Bless you. Love Lisa Stabile
Thomas D'Innocenzi
July 16, 2002
Dear Mrs. Riccardelli:
I knew Fran from his college days...where he went to school with my brother. I think about Fran on most days, and although I don't know your wonderful family, I also think alot about all of you.
I want to share some thoughts with you:
-- Meeting Fran, even for a moment, makes a lasting impression of an individual whose heart is bigger than life, and whose genuine warmth makes you happy just to meet him: that never goes away.
-- As a father myself, I know that bond of Fran and you and the kids is stronger than faith, and the smile of his picture shows joy and pride that IS Fran: it reflects happiness of having the ultimate wealth of a loving family.
-- Wherever you are, anytime, anywhere, there are those like me, who keep you and the kids in their prayers, and reflect often on the happy man who has touched us all!
God Bless You!
March 29, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN..FRANCIS S.RICCARDELLI AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE ..CHILDREN..FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND ST.FRANCIS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...MAY YOUR SPIRIT VISIT THE GRAND CANYON..AMEN
Cathleen McCormick
March 17, 2002
Dear Theresa,
I cannot explain the emptiness we feel without having Francis here. I know it cannot compare to yours. One of the great things about the two of you and your family is that we always knew you were "there" and thinking of us and we of you even though we did not visit eachother often. I hope you know that we are here for you and will not let time pass between visits (phone or in person.)
You are a remarkable woman, Theresa. Tom and I fell in love with you when we met you so many years ago. I am sorry that our friendship has developed out of such incredible sadness but once a dear friend, always a dear friend.
Love,
Cathleen
Mack McCormick
March 13, 2002
Dear Theresa,
I know Cathleen calls you once or twice a week, but I thought I'd send our feelings to you through cyberspace too. We cry for you and the kids, and Francis, and think about you daily. See you soon.
Love,
Mack
Julie Sanchez (Maresca)
March 11, 2002
Theresa:
We wanted to let you know that our families are praying for you and your family.
I (Julie) went to school with your husband and was very close friends with your sister Lydia. As a matter of fact my sister Tara Lehman teaches your daughter, and I believe my dad William Maresca taught your husband.
Your husband was a wonderful person and please remember when you need to draw strength, that our thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
With deepest sympathy.
The Maresca Family
The Sanchez Family
The Lehman Family
Diane Cherry
February 22, 2002
DEAR THERESA
IT HAS BEEN FIVE MONTH SINCE THAT TERRIBE DAY. I HAVE BEEN WEARING THE BAND I BOUGHT WITH FRANICES NAME ON IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I WILL CONTINUE TO WEAR IT AND TO PRAY FOR HIM, FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FOR ALL THE OTHERS WHO LOST A LOVE ONE ON THAT DAY. I AM PROUD AND FEEL VERY SPECIAL TO BE ABLE TO WEAR THIS BAND. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
DIANE CHERRY
FT LAUDERDALE, FL
[email protected]
Rob Andersen
February 11, 2002
Theresa,
It's been a while, but the memory of Francis at David's wedding is still in my head. He will be missed. It's amazing to me how many lives are touched by these people. Francis was a very special person. God bless in the years ahead.
Rob
Charles W & Carolyn T Katz
January 22, 2002
Our family got together & gave her the money we normally spend on family gifts. Being near to her we delivered it personally. Meeting her was a rare treat, she is brave in her grief, yet pleasant & upbeat. We felt that she was a fitting heroic wife for this fine fallen man. Hang in there Terry, you are an inspiration to us all!
Richard and Tina Grefrath
January 20, 2002
Our deepest condoleneces.
Michael Buchholz
January 11, 2002
Were going to miss you Rocco. Much love and sympathy to the Riccardelli and Meehan Families.
Carolyn Kirwan
January 6, 2002
I pray for this family daily since receiving my Mercy bracelet for Christmas. God will never desert them, especially in their time of need. May they always feel the presence of the "Ones" that love them.
dianee cherry
January 1, 2002
I live in Ft Lauderdale, Flordia and attend Calvery Chapel. Our Paster purchased 1000 of the mercey bands so that we could have the opportunity to buy one. I bought the one with Franis Riccardelli name on it. I have been wearing in prouldy since the day i pruchased it. I Pray for him and his family and hope that God has given them the strength to get through this horrible expeence. The mercy band has given me the opportunity to he closer to the 911 experence. The momey they raise for selling them will be of great help. Please know that he and his family are on my mind and in my prayers daily and i will continue to wear the band indenfinly.
May God Bless
DIANE
Teresa Jahn
December 15, 2001
The world will miss such a fun loving person. May Francis's life and love live on in his children. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Francis. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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