Robert Simpson Ricci

Pelham, MA - Robert "Bob" Simpson Ricci was born May 12, 1947, Springfield MA to Benjamin (1923-2006) and Virginia Ricci (1924-2012). He died December 3, 2025, age 78.

Robert is survived by his brothers James (Margaret) Williamsburg MA and Thomas (Susan) Sacramento CA in addition to several nieces and nephews.

Early in Robert's life he was diagnosed as being mentally retarded.

Today the terminology used is Developmental Disabilities.

Robert lived at The Belchertown State School from 1953 until 1980.

Robert was the Plaintiff in a successful 2/7/72 landmark class action federal lawsuit advocating for the rights and care of the mentally retarded in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Robert worked for many years for the Town of Amherst in various jobs at Town Hall and the Bangs Community Center. He particularly enjoyed delivering interoffice mail to the Amherst Fire Department. Robert was known by many members of the Amherst, Belchertown and Pelham, firefighting community.

Robert was also a train enthusiast and attended many Amherst Railway Society events.

Robert was a kind and well-liked member of the Amherst MA community for forty plus years.

Almadan Inc. has provided kind, loving and respectful, support services for many years, first at his Clark House Apartment and later at his group home Hospice of the Fisher House, Amherst MA, assisted Almadan Inc. when Robert was at the end of his life's journey.

Be like Bob, be kind. Donate to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service as a celebration of life is planned for early 2026.

Douglass Funeral Services, Amherst MA, is handling funeral arrangements.

Memorial guestbook can be found at www.douglassfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Dec. 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ricci

7 Entries

Helen M. Thelen

December 13, 2025

So sorry to hear about the passing of Bobby. We met him when we moved into the neighborhood by his parents, Ben and Ginny. Bobby liked to come over and talk with us in the warmer months while we worked outside. And I would occasionally see him in town hall when I stopped in for work. He always had a smile to share with everyone. My condolences to Jim, Tom and their families.

Evelyn ross

December 13, 2025

I worked with Bobby for a few years! His enthusiasm to trains and his well mannered spirit I will forever hold in my heart! God speed Bobby may you be traveling the train of life! Love evelyn

Robert W. Adair

December 11, 2025

I have known Bobby since I was a young man, I help with my dad and your dad Ben at the state school build picnic table for the residents there. I also knew him at the fire station as he came most days to pick up the town hall mail. He was loved by all. I used to call him the mayor when I saw him and he just smiled. Sorry for your loss Jim and Tom. Rob Adair

Lee A Vaughn

December 11, 2025

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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Krystle M Kulig

December 10, 2025

I had the pleasure of taking care of Bobby the last almost 4 years with almadan Inc until the day he passed. He taught me patience and made me love my job so much. It's hard going there and not hearing his voice and seeing that huge smile. My heart will forever be crushed. They say don't get attached, but if you have a heart and compassion there's no way you can't . My buddy, I'll miss you forever and I'll see you later. This was by far the hardest thing I ever had to do, but for you, I'll try to be as strong as I can. Thank u for showing me that life is worth what you make of it all that you been through and you still were never in a bad mood unless you couldn't get to clark house for your Thursday coffee dates with the ladies or church on Sundays. Ikk miss your little jokes "why didn't your car start today" "because it had no motor" me dropping pans to start cooking lol nad u tell "you breaking house" not hearing that is breaking me . Rest peacefully my favorite lil man ever

Penny Nolan

December 8, 2025

Bobby at Clark house coffee night. We all loved him so much.

Ed Orzechowski

December 6, 2025

The passing of Bob Ricci marks the end of an era. Our deep condolences from all the members of the former Friends of Belchertown State School and Advocacy Network. Bob was a gentle man, fun to engage in conversation. May he rest in peace.

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