James Ricca

(Asbury Park Press)

JAMES RICCA
HOWELL
James Ricca, of Howell, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, after a challenging four-year battle with colon cancer. Born and raised in Brooklyn N.Y., he moved to Queens when he married in 1967. After 10 years, he and his wife, Judy Daskas (his wife of 43 years), moved to Howell, being two of the first residents of The Windmill Club. Jim has resided there since, being the first vice president of the Unitowners' Association. He was preceded in death by his kid brother, Ronnie, in 1964; his parents, Helen and Charles; and his in-laws, Eleanor and John Daskas.
After graduating from Bushwick High School with drafting awards in 1962, he began courses at NYC Community College. That same year, he began working at the flagship store of Abraham & Straus, on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. He moved up the ladder of success with A&S/Federated Department Stores until A&S closed. When they decided to open their first store in NJ at the then new Woodbridge Center, Jim was promoted to that store, where he assisted in its opening. He worked in Woodbridge for many years then was promoted to the Eatontown store. He moved back and forth between these two stores for years. He was well-respected and trusted by all business colleagues he came in contact with, be they vendors, union leaders, contractors or associates. His employees felt he was a fair and compassionate boss, well-admired by his staff. He was a loyal and devoted Federated employee for nearly 40 years until A&S went out of business. He moved onto a job at Sneaker Stadium in Eatontown for a short time, but Federated management once again offered him a position at Sterns at Bridgewater Commons Mall. A few years later, a new opportunity opened for him to work for Simon Properties, through Control Building Services at the Menlo Park Mall as Operations Mgr. He held this position until he became stricken with cancer in 7/06. He gallantly worked his regular, full-time schedule during his chemo and radiation therapies until his first surgery in 12/06. The following summer, he was forced to retire due to his disabling illness. Jim's jobs were his first priority, always devoting his energies to strive to make each employer prosper and achieve their goals. He was very proud of his work efforts and ethics, often going above and beyond his routine responsibilities.
It's often said you can take the boy out of Brooklyn, but never Brooklyn out of the boy and Jim was a perfect example of this. He enjoyed his childhood growing up in the Bushwick section on Cornelia Street and Central Avenue. Recently had been in touch with old friends through the Bushwick High School Alumni Association. Continually through his illness, he received calls and emails from former friends from Brooklyn and associates from his old A&S days; these contacts gave him strength to continue his fight against his disease. All who knew him, especially his male friends, know of his passion for cars and how meticulous he was with his own, especially his classic 1971 MACH I Mustang, his three Camaro's and his newest SS Monte Carlo. Many hours of his free time were spent taking care of his "babies".
Jim leaves behind his broken-hearted wife, Judy, who was his high school sweetheart since 1963. Though they had decided not to raise a family but to pursue their career paths, they had many godchildren, nieces and nephews. His beloved sister, Karen Oliva and her husband Chris of Smithtown, L.I., added joy to his life through their daughters, Lauren (a goddaughter of Judy and Jim), Jennifer (and her new husband, Fred Weber, whose wedding he was proud to attend in September), and Katelyn. Their son, Christopher (Jim's godson) and his wife, Stephanie, added beautiful Gianna Mae, to his life; she nicknamed him "Uncle Butterball" and this brought him many smiles. He was also loved by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda and Joe Giuliano of Hillsborough. Their son, Eric and his wife, Jennifer, brought more joy to his life by adding a wonderful little Chinese Princess named Olivia and a sweet young Korean Prince, named Seaver, to his family. Their daughter, Cara (another of Jim's goddaughters) and her husband, Seth Keefer, were married two years ago; Jim was excited to be in better health and able to attend their wedding after his initial surgery. His favorite "aunt", Agnes Tarulli of Seminole, Fla. was loved dearly, and he felt like her second "son". There are many extended family members, friends, and business associates that he cared about, but too many to mention; he fondly thought of each of them often and wished them life's best.
Relatives and friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, with a memorial service at 3 p.m. at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. Please omit flowers. Donations for medical expenses, c/o O'Brien Funeral Home, would be greatly appreciated, or donations to a charity of your choice in memory of Jim. For more information or to send condolences, please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.