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Paul Ricca Obituary
Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 1200 South Davis Drive, Arlington. Visitation: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church with rosary to follow at 7 p.m. Open viewing Monday at Arlington Funeral Home.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Arlington Urban Ministries, Mission Arlington, Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund, or a charity of your choice.
Paul was born April 25, 1939, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Bernard and Gertrude Lepkowski Ricca. After graduating with honors from Islip (N.Y.) High School, he attended Syracuse University where he met his wife, Mary Ann Flood. They were married Jan. 28, 1961. Upon graduation with a degree in chemistry, he attended Purdue University and received a doctorate in analytical chemistry in 1965. He then served two years active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army.
Paul was employed by LTV Aerospace Corporation in 1967 and moved with his family to Arlington. In 1971 he left LTV to work for Anderson Laboratories in Fort Worth as vice president and director of laboratories. In July 1975, he started Ricca Chemical Company, from which he retired in 1998. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, Alpha Chi Sigma chemical professional fraternity, Phi Lambda Upsilon chemical honor society, Sigma Chi research honorary, and the Scabbard and Blade Military honorary.
Paul's greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was an active member of the Arlington community and a quiet servant to others. He enjoyed traveling, having visited all 50 states and seven continents. He spent many hours playing racquetball, golf and cards with his friends.
The family also thanks the staff of the Trauma Unit at John Peter Smith Hospital for their professional and compassionate care.
Paul was preceded in death by a daughter, Ann Marie.
Survivors: His wife of 48 years, Mary Ann; sons, Bernard Paul (wife, Stephanie Townsend) of Pittsford, N.Y., and Peter John (wife, Rebecca) of Arlington; brothers, Vincent of Columbus, Ohio, and Francis of Conway, Ark.; grandchildren, Martina Elise, Dominic Paul and Joseph Luis; and many nieces and nephews.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Ricca
December 21, 2009
Dear Mary Ann.
My dad and I are saddened by the news. My father Domenico and I were so thrilled to have met you and Paul on the trip in South Africa. Paul made my 90-year-old father smile and feel welcome amongst the group. We will never forget you and the kindness you have shown us.
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Tony & Domenico De Santis
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Kenny and Cindy McComas
November 23, 2009
Mary Ann,
We were so grieved to hear about Paul. Though we seldom see you anymore, you have been in our thoughts throughout the years.
Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Blessings,
Kenny and Cindy
Teresa and Brad Platin
November 8, 2009
Aunt Mary Ann, Barney, Peter, and family,
We were so fortunate to have Uncle
Paul in our lives - such a quick wit, fun spirit, and lover of family.
Energy, intellect, and genuine caring ... all hallmarks of his that I will have forever etched in my heart.
The funeral was heartbreaking and beautiful, and your care for all of us was remarkable. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Teresa
Ralph White
November 5, 2009
Mary Ann and family I am sorry for only now responding to your terrible loss. As one of the former employees at Ricca Chemical Company I always had the greatest respect for Doctor Ricca, and know his presence will be missed. May the Lord comfort you in this time of grief and know my prayers will be with you all.
Ralph White
Richard Malec
November 4, 2009
Mary Ann,
I am blessed to be called a friend by you and Paul. Paul and I quickly became friends and were business neighbors in the early 1970’s. When I first met Paul back then, and until I was with him on his last day on earth…he never changed.
Those of us, who were playing cards with Paul last Wednesday, were talking and one of them said…“How great is this for your last day on earth! You play golf with your friends, have dinner with your wife, play cards with your friends, they buy your drinks and just before you leave earth you buy the house a round”. Go figure! Paul, you’re a genius…what planning!
Paul had a knack for problem solving and loved to do creative brainstorming. We would throw ideas around and come up with solutions and then he would boost your ego by giving you the credit for the solution and then dig in and help you achieve it…for real! While Paul was a fierce competitor, he deeply cared for others; he gave, and gave and gave even when it hurt! Thank you all for sharing Paul.
To Paul his family was his greatest treasure and accomplishment. You have to know that y’all are some of the luckiest people on earth and blessed beyond your ability to understand.
We will not be seeing anymore of Paul, at least here on earth. But (we can approach the funeral) with a lot of faith, knowing you are with the peace of the Lord. We are in a real way, still united with each other. It’s sad on one hand but happiness on the other that you are in the peace of the Lord and more fully in the mystery of eternity.
Godspeed Paul…you have your final orders, rest in peace Officer Paul Joseph Ricca. Attention. Officer on deck. Hand Salute.
Finally, as great and brilliant as Paul was, everyone including Paul knew you (Mary Ann) kept him grounded and you were his anchor…what a team! Mary Ann you are loved.
From a deeply hurting friend, like you I feel the excruciating pain. Call me if you need me.
Warmest personal regards,
Dick Malec
Charlene Schwartz
November 3, 2009
Grandpa Ricca will be greatly missed at Holy Rosary Catholic School. I always enjoyed seeing him in the cafeteria, on field trips, and at various events. He was a great supporter and was loved by all. God bless him and his wonderful family. You are all in my prayers.
Shirley (Hogan) Thomas
November 3, 2009
Mary Ann & Family,
We were so saddened to read about Paul's passing. Scott and I have talked about your family often over the years. It seems like only yesterday that Scott and Peter were just little boys. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time.
Warren Halpern
November 3, 2009
Paul Ricca lived life to the fullest. He had a tremendous competitive spirit combined with a keen intellect and a capacity to truly enjoy life. He will be sorely missed. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to have known him.
Joe Fehrenbach
November 3, 2009
Peter and Family,
Your Dad was larger than life. He was always there to help and encourage us to grow, to become better in so many ways. His direct style and unlimited generosity have left a lasting impression.
He will be truly missed!
From a friend, Joe
Pat MCLEAN
November 2, 2009
Mr Paul Ricca. I can still recall his heavy accent. Always got my attention, then he kept it with such interesting & vibrant conversation. Certainly on his way to heaven, though he may try to convince St. Peter to let him go for awhile, "to give the devil what for!" He has been taken away far too soon. Please allow his spirit to continue to surround, inspire, and enrich your life.
Jan Darby
November 2, 2009
Dear Family,
I worked for Dr. Ricca at Ricca Chemical Company in the early 1980's. He was a very kind and gracious man. I worked for Dr. Ricca until I was preparing to have my first child. I had trouble in my pregnancy and there was a chance I would deliver two months premature. Dr. Ricca came to the hospital to see me and gave my husband and I a very generous gift. What a blessing he was to us. He was a good example of a true Godly man. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. May God comfort you all. I will keep you in my prayers.
Jan (Kirkland) Darby
Tammy Kubitza
November 2, 2009
Peter,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless you and your family. Hugs to you all.
Glenda Hatton
November 2, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. We enjoyed many years of Paul's Racquetball playing and camaraderie here at the Maverick Athletic Club.
God Bless,
Glenda, Wade, Bob
and the Maverick Staff
Jamey Gore
November 2, 2009
Mary Ann, Peter & Barney,
I have so many great memories of growing up around Paul. I will think of him any time I play bocce ball in the backyard with the kids (Kenzie loves it by the way), hear a Jim Croce song, squirt a kid with a garden hose as they pass by on their bike, etc, etc. He was an inspirational and amazing friend to all of us. If I didn't know the guy that the obituary was written about I would think he was way too smart to be any fun. We all know that couldn't be any further from the truth with Paul. He was such an all around great guy that did so much for me, my family, and countless others. We love him and will deeply miss him.
Debbie Mueller
November 2, 2009
Uncle Paul has always had a special place in my heart. Every time I hear Moon River played I can see him standing in Amma and Papa's basement playing the accordian. Please give them a hug for me. I love and miss you all-Debbie
Denise Groppi
November 1, 2009
Peter and family,
I will keep you in my prayers and my condolences on the passing of your father. May you find comfort in God's word in the coming days.
God bless you.
Denise Flores Groppi
T.J. & Joyce Pool
November 1, 2009
MaryAnn,
We were so sad to hear of Paul's passing. We wanted to let you know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Laura & Ernest Gonzalez & family
November 1, 2009
Mary Ann, Peter, Rebecca, Martina and Dominic, our deepest condolences with passing of your husband; father and grandfather. He was a very friendly and humble man, never pretentious and always with a smile. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
November 1, 2009
We were fortunate to be neighbors of Paul and Mary Ann for nineteen years and we enjoyed every minute of it He WAS a quiet servant to others and many times we were the beneficiary of his many talents and abilities. Once long ago he unstopped a sink for us that our children had used for a piggy bank. More recently he repaired some window trim, re-hung window shades and replaced a broken doorbell for us. He had many skills and a lot of love and friendship to spread among his many friends. He was a quiet servant but his spirit was not quiet . A colorful memory of Paul will remain with us.
Love and prayers to your precious family, Bonnie and Mike
November 1, 2009
Mary Ann & Family I"m so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. You have to know he was one of my favorite people - always so kind & friendly. I am so glad I got to visit with him in Oct. He looked so good & happy. He was telling me what fun he had with Martina, going to the club in the golf cart for a pop. My thoughts & love are with you all. Patty
November 1, 2009
Dear Maryann, It is impossible to think of Paul without visualizing his smile and hearing his quick laughter in your mind. We have been friends since 1975. Always will remember the huge tomato plants he grew in your back yard and the time the two of you visited us in Leakey, Texas and helped us plant a spring garden (remember, Maryann while the four of us are on our knees and your instructions to Paul were, "It's all in the wrist, Paul" ) -- playing bridge together and the Christmas when Leon and I would have been alone but for your invitation to join you for your traditional Christmas celebration -- what else but Italian spagetti and meatballs and a round of bridge playing. Paul was always quick to give praise and credit when due to others and gave of himself to family, friends and charities. He will be deeply missed by many for a long time. Rose
Joey Sims
November 1, 2009
Peter and Rebecca and the rest of the Ricca family, our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you, trust in Lord, thats where you will find your comfort.
GOD BLESS
Joey and Mollie Sims & Family
Joe & Carole Terry
November 1, 2009
Paul will be missed by his many friends at Shady Valley. Our love and sympathy to Mary Ann and the rest of his family.
Rusty and Kathy Bailey
November 1, 2009
Mary Ann
We are shocked and saddened at the passing of Paul. We always appreciated his warmth and friendliness towards Kathy and I. He was very special to us.
We will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
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