Michael Lee Ricci Sr.

Michael Lee Ricci, Sr., age 63, of Erie, passed away peacefully Friday, April 1, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on December 11, 1958, son of Richard Lee Ricci and Joan Lee Wehde Bludorn.
Michael was an avid fisherman who will be remembered for his fish fry's. He was a huge NASCAR fan and enjoyed football on Sundays.
"Mike made his last inappropriate comment on March 29, 2022. If you're wondering if you may have ever met him, you didn't – because you would remember. For those of you that did meet him, we apologize, as we're sure he probably offended you. He was renowned for not holding back and telling it like it was."
Michael enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was always known for his sense of humor and his contagious laugh. To his close family and friends, he was known as, "The King".
Michael has worked as an auto body technician for over 40 years fixing other people's "junk". Those were his words, but not exactly his words because there may have been a swear word or two. He had previously worked for Dick Deutsch Autobody, Ras Autobody, and Platinum Autobody.
He leaves behind his beloved Mustang of three years, and his wife of 44 years, Diane. He also leaves behind three beloved children, Rebecca Ricci (Shawn Strickland), Danielle Wegelin (Brad), and Daniel Ricci, and unaccountable amount of "orphans" he loved as his own. Not by choice!
Michael also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Nicolette, Keenan and Kaitlynn "Crabigails" Strickland, Tyler, Khiley, and Gabrielle Majersky, Isabella Wegelin, Daniel Jr., Andrea, Nathan and Carter Ricci, and Carlin Irwin.
Michael is further survived by his stepmother, Arlene Ricci; two stepsisters, Kristy Shultz (Kurt) and Karen Johnston; stepbrother, Greg Weide; aunt, Sheila Rederick (Ron); two cousins, Dan Rederick (Diane) and Larry Rederick; and many nieces and nephews who wanted to hang out near him because you just knew he was going to say or do something wild. It's not that he was such a great storyteller, it's that he was the story.
Michael was preceded in death by his son, Michael Lee Ricci, Jr.; a grandchild; his parents, Richard Lee Ricci and Joan Lee Wehde Bludorn; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Mike led a good life and had a peaceful death – but the transition was a bitch. And for the record, he did not lose his battle with cancer. When he died, the cancer died, so technically it was a tie! He was ready to meet his Maker, we're just not sure "The Maker" is ready to meet Mike. "Good Luck God!"
A special thank you to the hospice team at UPMC and especially Dennis the Menace, as well as two of the greatest nurses he could have had by his side, his daughter, Rebecca and niece, Yolanda.
Friends may call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 5151 Buffalo Road (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.), on Monday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 pm until the time of the Funeral Service there at 7:30 pm. Please join Mike's family for a benefit to celebrate his life on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16502. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Michael's family through the funeral home.