Schererville, Indiana
1956 - 2022
Thomas Joseph "Rico" Ricciardi
April 24, 1956 - Jan. 10, 2022
CROWN POINT, IN - Thomas J. Ricciardi, 65, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022. He was born in East Chicago, IN on April 24, 1956.
He is survived by his loving mother, Patricia J. (Connelly) Ricciardi; daughter, Brooke (Christian) Alexander; and son, Carmello (Cassie) Ricciardi; loving sisters: Lea Hott (Leon) and Kathleen (John) Emmett; grandchildren: McKenna, Grayson, Carmello, Leonardo, and Gianna; and many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Carmello T. Ricciardi, and brother, Michael Ricciardi.
Thomas graduated from East Chicago Roosevelt High School, Class of '75, and attended Calumet College of St. Joseph. He worked for Combustion Engineering, owned Carmello's Bars and Restaurant, worked for the Lake County Coroner's Office for many years, worked for Union Tank, and was currently employed with Cleveland Cliffs as a Maintenance Supervisor. Thomas was a long- time member and former President of Cesare Batiste Lodge #27 and a member of E.C. Goodfellows Club. He knew no stranger. He was the most fun, funny, caring, generous, kind, and loving man. He told elaborate, hilarious stories. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life memorial will be held at SOLAN-PRUZIN FUNERAL HOME, 14 Kennedy Avenue, Schererville, IN on Sunday, January 16, 2022 from 4:00–7:00 PM. A prayer service will start at 6:00 PM with Fr. Michael J. Hoffman officiating. The family requests masks be worn. solanpruzinfuneralhome.com
To the Ricciardi family...so sorry for your loss. Roxanna was a great place to live and raise children. Many great memories of Tommy and the entire Ricciardi family. So happy that generation picked our corner to hang out on.
Mary Lou Smith and family
January 17, 2022
We want to offer our deepest and heart felt condolences to the whole RICCARDI family. Tommy was one of the happiest & funniest friend we know. What a great guy, he´ll be missed!!!!! The sad thing is you´ll always miss him and think about him. The happy thing is you´ll always miss him and think about him. Tommy and family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ray&Connie Sullivan. And all the SULLIVAN´s
January 17, 2022
My deepest sympathy to the Riccardi family. Words can´t express the sorrow I´m feeling for the lost of a true long time friend. Rico´s infectious laugh and joy for life will truly be missed - definitely one of a kind. One quick memory, we were on our way back from the 2002 Kentucky Derby, Rico was driving and he thought it would be the greatest thing to have Kentucky Fried Chicken in "Kentucky" , so he pulled off at the first KFC . We still laughed about that every time we got together. May...
Greg Krajewski
January 16, 2022
Rico and I played on the Crusaders Biddy Ball team at McKinley elementary in 1968. We won the school tournament and finished runner up in the East Chicago tournament championship. It was a memory that we reminisced for years. May the dear Lord grant eternal rest to the soul of his servant Rico and give him everlasting life and make his memory to be eternal. Vecnaja pamjat.
Nick Vukas
January 15, 2022
Pat, Lea, Kathleen and family, We send our love and prayers to our life long friends. Remembering the fun times when all us kids were together. Thankful for the memories...
Carl and Marsha Kobe
January 15, 2022
Good boss who liked to joke around. Donation: Red Cross
Katie O'Leary
January 15, 2022 | Work
Tommie always smiling always happy always joking around always making your day a better day! Tommie had that swagger about himself that you knew he was going to make you laugh and smile! Mikie and Tommie back together look out heavenly people! our deepest sympathy.
jeff nelson
January 14, 2022 | Friend
My heartfelt condolences to all who knew Rico. To know him was to love him. It's been a few decades since I had the pleasure of laughing it up with him, but I will never forget what an absolute great guy he was. RIP Rico.
Jill Field
January 14, 2022
My condolences to the Ricciardi family
Mark Barber
January 14, 2022
