William H. Ricardi

Bill , You showed me the ropes on the Swift, taught me things on flies I never knew. I can remember traveling from my home in Berkley Ma to get on the river by 7am . Next thing I knew was his voice saying good morning. Rest in peace Bill Missing fishing next to you Thank you

Bill was a regular fisherman at the Swift River. I fished there quite often myself and always enjoyed talking with him whether it was the fly of the day, or the bears, wildcats, otters, turkeys, beavers etc. He knew everybody and was a great fisherman and more importantly a great person. He will be sorely missed. RIP Bill

My condolences to the Ricardi family. Everyone on the river wanted to speak to and fish with Bill. But he was more than an incredible fly fisherman. He was a terrific guy, outgoing, friendly, keen sense of humor, being around Bill made you and your day better. Often our conversations would go from fishing to topics such as the importance of family and it was clear that Bill was a family man, a proud dad and grandfather. Bill touched so many lives on the river. His presence will always...

I am shocked and saddened with Bills' passing and wish my sincere condolences to the Ricardi family. Bill was one of the " Hardcore " of experienced Swift River fisherman that I looked forward to seeing on the river on every trip. It had gotten to the point that fishing had become more enjoyable as a social experience than bragging experience. Whether we were standing in the water or sitting on a bench. we always had something to share. We will all miss that comradery but know that Bill will...

It is very sad to hear of Bill's passing. We spent many a summer night, being the last ones at the pool and walking out together. One time after a stocking, the fish were clumped in a small area. Bill was the only person around. Can't tell ya where because Bill made me swear I would never tell anyone. Must of caught 30 trout apiece. I will miss his deep voice, he frankness and the sound of his waders walking off in the woods. I lost a friend. My prayers go out to his family

It was an honor and a privilege to fish the Swift with Bill. He was a great guy and will be missed by so many. My deepest sympathies to the Ricardi family.

In the winter of 2007 or 2008 an inadvertent hatchery release resulted in significant schools of smaller rainbow trout stretched from Cady Lane to the Pipe. It was then I first encountered Bill. He gave me a foam toothpick-anchored strike indicator and showed me how to rig the thread midges he was using with very satisfactory results. His kindness kick-started my understanding of how to fish the Swift, for which I am forever grateful. Subsequent encounters often included tips, intel,...

We were so sadden to learn about Bill. How he loved his fishing! We always enjoyed talking with him whether he was in the river, at one of the parking lots, walking the pipeline or in our yard! He will certainly be missed. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Ricardi family. Carl & Kathy

Will certainly miss him on the Swift River. Remember him telling someone that he was in his 80's. He said that he fished every day because you never know if it is your last. Certainly respected his patients and will.