Edward Bernard Ricciarelli

1960 - 2025

Edward Bernard Ricciarelli Grifton - Edward Bernard "Eddie" Ricciarelli was born on July 24, 1960, in Mount Vernon, New York, to Carmine Anthony and Genevieve (Rose) Longo Ricciarelli, and was named after both of his grandfathers. He spent his early years with his extended family in Pelham, NY, until his immediate family moved to Grifton in 1970. Eddie graduated from Ayden-Grifton High School, where he played football, and then continued his education at East Carolina University. A dedicated member of St. Peter Catholic Church, he regularly served as an usher. Eddie worked for several years at Toys "R" Us and Praticon, Inc. before being sidelined by health issues. He passed away on September 27, 2025. A devout sports fan like his father, Eddie faithfully followed the NY Yankees and NY Giants. For years, he and his dad were fixtures at ECU football and basketball games. A major sports highlight was attending a professional baseball game in Baltimore as a guest of Oakland A's shortstop, Walt Weiss, whose connection was through Eddie's brother, Weiss's college suitemate. He also cherished a book written by ESPN announcer Stuart Scott that referenced his brother. Eddie was an avid collector of memorabilia, including coffee table sports books, vinyl records, stamps, and sports cards. Eddie deeply adored his family, especially his nieces and nephews. He loved splurging on them with special, memorable gifts, such as first-edition Nike Air Jordan tennis shoes, full sets of baseball cards, collectible dolls, and add-a-pearl necklaces. For his nieces, his goal was to gift enough pearls so they would one day have a complete strand for their wedding day. This deep thoughtfulness extended beyond his immediate family: during a graduation weekend that coincided with Mother's Day, Eddie made sure to acknowledge not only his own mother but every other mother in attendance. He was always thinking of others, never himself. Proud of his Italian heritage, Eddie never tired of his family's traditional cooking: homemade lasagna, meatballs with "gravy," the special Christmas treat of homemade cheese raviolis, and his favorite dessert, his mom's cheesecake. Serving as the family historian, he could recite the names of great-grandparents, the towns they lived in in Italy, their occupation upon entering Ellis Island, and even who played the mandolin. He possessed a remarkable, almost savant-like memory: he could recall every detail of past events, often knowing the exact day of the week without needing a calendar. And he never forgot anyone's birthday. We didn't realize the wealth of knowledge he possessed until playing a game of Trivial Pursuit at the beach. Even without formally participating, if no one knew an answer, Eddie would simply ask, "Wasn't it so and so?" No matter the category, he was always correct. Whether sharing a surprising fact or a good joke, Eddie relished any chance to share a laugh with others. Despite enduring countless health setbacks, Eddie maintained an unfailingly positive attitude, never once complaining. Like a modern-day Job, he faced every challenge with deep faith, knowing that God had a plan for him. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his two brothers, Paul Andrew Ricciarelli (Janet) of Greenville, NC, and Bernard Lawrence Ricciarelli (Trish) of Cary, NC. He also leaves behind his cherished nephews: Andrew Carson Ricciarelli (fiancé Elizabeth Hartsock) of Raleigh, NC, Michael Paul Ricciarelli of Wilmington, NC, and Ryan Anthony Ricciarelli of Charlotte, NC; and nieces: Caroline Ricciarelli Smith (Michael) of Oceanside, CA, and Brianna Ricciarelli Stolte (Graham) of Athens, GA, as well as other beloved family members. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 3:00 -4:00 PM at Wilkerson's Funeral Home with a private burial. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Eddie's memory to the American Stroke Association.