Joseph A. Ricci Esq

Joseph A. Ricci, Esq., 59, of Mechanicsburg, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at UPMC Carlisle, following a brief illness. Joe was born July 8, 1962, in Mechanicsburg, the eldest son of Dr. Joseph and Mary Ricci. Nov. 2, 1991, in Johnstown, he married Jennifer L. Lehman, now his beloved wife of nearly 30 years. Joe is survived by his wife; his mother; a sister, Lisa (Ed) Wrzesinski; a brother, Scott (Michelle) Ricci; niece and nephew, EJ and Katie Wrzesinski; aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and in-laws, Don and Dee Lehman. Joe graduated from Hamilton College, Clinton, N.Y., and the Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, Pa. He greatly enjoyed his position as the Executive Director of the Pa. Optometric Assn. Joe was very involved in his community as a volunteer throughout his life. Among his many roles, he was currently president-elect for the Pennsylvania Society for Association Excellence; served over 20 years as chairman of the Silver Spring Township Planning Commission; had previously served on the board of directors for the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. He also served in various roles over the years at his church, Trindle Spring Lutheran, where he was an active member. He was also actively involved in the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Joe loved RVing, traveling and spending time with Jennifer, the love of his life. He was a talented photographer and enjoyed adventuring, seeking out wildlife, flowers and scenery to add to his collection of beautiful pictures. He could always be found behind the lens at special occasions, capturing meaningful moments and then sharing them with others. He also enjoyed animals, especially his cats, Grace and Abigail. Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Friends will be received Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service at the Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, with Bishop James Dunlop and Pastor Aaron Erdley officiating. The funeral service will also be livestreamed through the church website at https://www.trindlespringlutheran.org/. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. A memorial concert by The King's Brass, one of Joe's favorite musical groups, will be planned at the church next year. www.pennlive.com/obits