Joseph John Ricciardi

WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Joseph J. Ricciardi, age 83, of Waterbury, share the news of his peaceful passing on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Kathleen J. (Vaillancourt) Ricciardi.

Joseph was born in Waterbury, on January 17, 1942, the son of the late Sylvio E. Ricciardi and Carmela M. (LoRusso) Ricciardi. Joseph attended Sacred Heart High School, and his love for his country led him to serve in the United States Army. During his service, he proudly took on the role of a Telegraphic Typewriter Operator in 1964, at the end of the Vietnam War. For most of his working life, he was a dedicated truck driver for Linden Motor Freight in Wallingford, until his retirement. His passion for the open road led to countless memorable road trips with his family, especially cherished journeys to Charlotte, North Carolina. When he wasn't on the road, he could often be found nurturing his love for music, playing lead guitar as a member of a country band called “The Backwoods Band”, also with Jessie Evon and many others, alongside his dear friends. He also enjoyed target shooting, riding his Harley Davidson, and cheering for his favorite NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon. A skilled mechanic, from running his own tire business, to working on all his vehicles, woodworking and re-engineering everything! One of his favorite pastime hobbies was the love of playing billiards with his buddy Ian and chatting with his friends on his CB radio. Joseph's greatest joy came from the time spent with his loving family and caring for his two cats Jake & Buddy! He touched the lives of everyone around him with his warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness. Joseph will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, forever remembered in the hearts of his family and friends.

Besides his wife Kathleen, left to honor and cherish his memory are his children, Michelle Matos and her husband William of Florida, Maria Ricciardi and her significant other, Steve of Waterbury, Joseph S. Ricciardi and his wife, Jonna of Cheshire, his grandchildren, Brendalee and her husband Justin, Richard, Angela and her husband Daniel and Samantha and her significant other, Spencer, his great- granddaughter, Haylee, and his dear friends and band mates, Steve and Annie Blake from California and Ed and Ginny from Sherman, and Ian, his billiards buddy. He also leaves behind his cousins Vivian, Joan and other extended family members. He is predeceased by his siblings Samuel George and Maria G. Ricciardi.

Graveside funeral services with full military honors will be accorded for Joseph on Wednesday July 2, 2025 at 11:00 am at Calvary Cemetery, 2324 East Main, Waterbury, CT. Those planning to attend are asked to meet the funeral home staff at the main gate of the Calvary Cemetery by 10:45 a.m. to honor Joe’s memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence and share a memory or words of comfort with the family and friends of someone who was important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St Waterbury CT, has been honored to care for Joseph and his family during this difficult time. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store on our website.