Mary C Riccardi

Mary C. (Rizzo) Riccardi, 92, of Worcester, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024, surrounded by the family she loved.

She was born in Fitchburg, the daughter of Salvatore and Lena (Errico) Rizzo. Raised in Fitchburg, Mary graduated from St Bernards High School and met Frank L. Riccardi, they married in 1953, and spent the next 59 years, in Love raising their three daughters with faith, family and love, until Frank left Mary’s side on February 11, 2012. She continued to guide her family with love and guidance until recently. Mary worked as an administrative assistant for the Royal Insurance Company and also served her church, Our Lady of Mt Carmel-St Ann as secretary in the office from 1968 to 1978.

 She leaves behind, her loving daughters; Frances Brown and her husband David, Lena Riccardi-Porcaro and her husband Donald, all of Worcester, Rosemary Riggieri and her husband Jeffrey Moore of Wells Maine; a brother, Salvatore “Sam” Rizzo and sister, Josephine Rizzo both in Fitchburg; six grandchildren who lovingly called her “Gram”, Katie and Daniel Brown, Nicholas, and Maria DeSantis, Gabriella and Gina Riggieri; four great grandchildren, Ruth, Logan, Roxanne and Luciana; Nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to her parents and husband Frank, a brother Daniel Rizzo predeceased her.

 Mary was a devote Christian, unwavering in her faith and love of the Lord. She was a life member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann Church and attended Mass regularly. Mary was a member, past president, secretary and treasurer of its Women’s Guild, Golden Years, and the San Vitaliano Association. She loved laugh, to dance with Frank on Saturday nights, walk, listen to music, and the beaches of Cape Cod and Wells Maine. Mary and Frank also spent many winters vacationing in Florida, traveling on cruises and trips to Italy. Mary had a mastery of word puzzles and scrabble. She notably could complete crossword puzzles in record time. A devoted mother, Mary cherished her family; they always came first in her life and cherished the moments she spent with her daughters, grandchildren and family during the holidays, special occasions and anytime they could be together as a family.

The Riccardi family would like to thank the staffs and residents at Christopher Heights and the Christopher house for the care and comradery they showed Mary during the 2 and a half years she lived there, and also the Jewish Healthcare Hospice for their help during a difficult time. 

A period of calling hours will be held Tuesday, December 10th from 9 to 10:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St followed by a procession to St John’s Church, 40 Temple St where her celebration of Christian burial mass will be held at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in St John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to St John’s Food for the Poor, 20 Temple Street 01604.