Dawn Ricciarelli

Dawn Ricciarelli, 69, of St. Johns, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at 1:22 PM at Community Hospice/Baptist South in Jacksonville. She was lovingly surrounded by her devoted daughter Tiffiny, son Joey, the love of her life for 18 years, Kenneth Brown, and her grandchildren Brittany Dickey (Tyler), Rachel, and Tony.

Born on October 13, 1955, in Mattoon, Illinois, Dawn was the oldest daughter of John Arthur and Nancy Ann (Hildreth) Fisher. She grew up alongside her beloved siblings Tam Lincoln (Dave), John Fisher (Lila), and Tava Elder (Gary). Life took her from Illinois to Shaker Heights, Ohio, and ultimately to Florida, where she settled in 2003.

Dawn was an exceptional mother to Brandon Michael Thompson (Holly) of Charleston, Illinois; Brenton Matthew Thompson (Linda Holland) of Sacramento, California; Joseph Peter Ricciarelli IV (Veronica) of Jacksonville, Florida; and Tiffiny Lynn Molo (Corey Mozingo) of St. Johns, Florida. She was also a proud grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren: Brittany, Ally, Annabella, Rachel, Austin, and Tony.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her two former husbands, Michael Thompson and Joseph Ricciarelli III.

Dawn attended Lakeland College in Mattoon, Illinois, where she studied Computer Logic and Programming. Her strong work ethic carried her through an impressive career, retiring in April 2025 after 18 years of dedicated service at Riley Gear Corporation. She looked forward to retirement as a time to relax, travel, and spend more time with the family she adored.

Earlier in her career, she cherished working at XLO from 1989 to 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio, and was proud to be part of the team that transferred to Jacksonville. She also worked at Justrite Manufacturing Co. in Mattoon.

As a single mother, Dawn worked tirelessly, always putting her children first and leading with love, strength, and grace. She enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, home improvement projects, and sipping a glass of wine poolside while overlooking the third green at her home in Cimarrone Golf & Country Club. Her love for hummingbirds was well known, and her fascination with them will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In accordance with her wishes, family and close friends will gather in Key Largo, Florida, to scatter her ashes while listening to her favorite song, Desperado by The Eagles-a perfect tribute to her free spirit.

Our family sincerely appreciates all the thoughts, prayers, and condolences during this time.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Ricciarelli family.