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Joseph Ricci Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ricci
Sponsored by Cantelmi Funeral Home - Fountain Hill.
David Best
August 11, 2025
i was just served a lovely pizza at Valentino´s in Haymarket, VA that reminded me so much of Joe Ricci´s cooking at Penn Pizza that i started tearing up.
Joe was such an important part of my childhood, and a starring character in many fond memories of my grandparents (also iconic non-English shopkeepers)
Just wanted to take a moment to honor Joe and share with the family and everyone who loved him.
February 22, 2015
Working for Sears in Bethlehem for many years, Joe and Penn Pizza was always our first choice for lunch and often dinner in our home. I remember when Sears closed, Joe surprised the employees with "lunch on him" on the last day we were open as a thank you for our business. He didn't need to thank us, we all loved Joe and would miss stopping by for lunch most days. Even after Sears closed, we would stop often for out favorite Italian food! He was a wonderful and kind gentleman. We are so sorry for your loss and also very sorry we just found out about his passing. The Nastasee Family.
September 19, 2014
Our deepest condolences to the family of one of the sweetest people that ever lived. His ever-smiling face will be missed in Bethlehem for years to come.
Prayers are sent your way from some of his old friends of long ago at the old Plaza Restaurant. (1980's).
The Dontas, Skyriotis & Kavourias Families
Genie and John Hanchick
September 18, 2014
We remember Joe and his whole family as friendly, sweet neighbors. Knowing how time consuming businesses can be (my parents owned a restaurant) Joe always found the time to engaged in conversation with John and share his home-made wine. His smile was contagious. We offer our sincerest condolences to Amelia, Mina, and the entire family.
Lori Kohnlein
September 18, 2014
Out of All the millions of people in this country, you were put in my path of life's journey. What a blessing Joe. Hey it's Mario!, so many have said. You will be missed. As we still go on with your beautiful family, they are a blessing to many. We see YOU in them. Love and generosity and friendship. May God comfort you and strengthen you. . ~The Kohnleins
Raegan Medgie Monos
September 18, 2014
Joe always fed us hungry Bethlehem Dairy Store workers when we would get off our late night shifts. Thank you Joe for the wonderful pizza that was filled with love. My sympathies to everyone.
Dennine Cecala Leschinsky
September 17, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I used to go to Penn Pizza all through high school and college. Joe was such a sweet, funny and hard working man. God bless you all!
Maggie Perez
September 17, 2014
Dear Ricci Family we are so sorry for the loss of your husband,dad and grandfather he will be missed by many. Will always remember him for his antics and his singing when he was still working at his pizza shop. Rest in peace Joe. Love Maggie ,Louie , Luisito and Josean Perez
Denise Kratzer
September 17, 2014
Ricci family we are so sorry for your loss.. Joe will be deeply missed..
R.I.P. Joe
September 17, 2014
To Joe and Mina my deepest sympathy go out to all your family God bless his soul.
Saba Allan
Carol Sule
September 17, 2014
My Deepest Sympathy to your family at this time. Joe was a wonderful man and will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Pat & Fred Capuano
September 17, 2014
To Amelia, Mina, Giuseppe, Carina and Giovanni,
Our deepest sympathy go out to all of you. We will keep you in our prayers. Joe was a very kind man. I too went into the pizza shop when I worked for First Valley Bank and he was always so sweet to me and my coworkers. He will be missed by all of your family.
Brian's Mom and Dad
Faye and Al Koncsics
September 17, 2014
To the Ricci Family
I knew Joe from going to his wonderful pizza shop for years and years. He had the BEST pizza I ever tasted. Would stop there every Friday night and take a pizza and wings to my mother in laws house. Nobody else can match it. He was a wonderful man with a very loving family. Rest in peace Joe
Mina Ricci-Lombardo
September 17, 2014
Papa, i will miss you calling my name, asking my how I am, where are the kids and how is Giuseppe. I will miss you, Papa!!!
Keith and Donna Siegfried
September 17, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Ricci family. As natives of Bethlehem and Moravian College alumni, Penn Pizza was a regular stop for us. Joe was always so friendly and welcoming to us every time we came in. And also always quick with a practical joke like putting a phone book in the box rather than a pizza. We have many fond memories of time spent at Penn Pizza and of Joe, his smile, and friendly nature. Rest in peace, Joe. You were a shining star in the community and you will be greatly missed.
Jeanine (Shaffer) Schantz
September 17, 2014
My deepest sympathy to your family at this time. What a wonderful, kind and caring man Joe was to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He truly was a gift not only to your family but to everyone he came in contact with. Joe left footprints in many hearts including mine. My father Danny Shaffer was the health inspector for many years before retiring and had the utmost respect for Joe. I remember being a small child picking up a weekly pizza with dad only to have my cheeks squeezed by the pizza man with the mustache. As I grew and had children of my own they too have those memories of Joe and his cheeck squeezes. When I hit a bad point in life Mr. Joe was always quick to hand me the pizza and ignore me when I went to pay. I will never forget how much that meant to me as young mom who didn't have much. He would always say, "You pay me next time". What a beautiful and generous man your husband and father was. He has left an amazing legacy in the city of Bethlehem. Please know that he touched many lives and brought so much happiness to all of us. We will never forget his kindness, laughter and friendship that was shared over the Yeats. May God comfort your family at this time. I'm sure Joe is making the best pizza Heaven has ever tasted! He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace my friend.
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