Rev. Msgr. Philip Ricci

Reverend Monsignor Philip Ricci, a faithful priest, beloved pastor, mentor, brother, and uncle, went home to God on February 14, 2026, at Villa St. Joseph in Darby, Pennsylvania. He was 90 years old.

Born on September 26, 1935, in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, to John and Emilia (Rossi) Ricci, Philip's life was rooted in family, faith, and service from the very beginning. A graduate of Conshohocken High School, he answered God's call to the priesthood as a young man and entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. After ten years of formation, he was ordained in 1965 by Cardinal John Krol - the beginning of a priesthood that would span six decades.

Monsignor Ricci's ministry was marked by both depth and devotion. He first served as chaplain to the Philadelphia Prisons at Holmesburg, bringing Christ's mercy into difficult and often forgotten places. At the same time, he ministered to residents of Riverview Home for the Aged and to young women at St. Margaret's Home for Girls. These early assignments revealed what would become hallmarks of his priesthood: compassion, presence, and a shepherd's heart.

Over the years, he served faithfully at St. Joseph Parish in Ambler, St. Stanislaus Parish in Lansdale, St. Anastasia Parish in Newtown Square, and St. Margaret Parish in Narberth. He was appointed Spiritual Director of the College Division at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, where he guided young men discerning their call to priesthood. Mentorship became one of his most cherished roles. Many priests today carry forward the wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual insight he generously shared.

In 1987, Monsignor Ricci was entrusted with founding Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in North Wales. What began as a vision became, under his steady leadership, a vibrant and thriving parish community. For 23 years, he shepherded the people of Redeemer with faith-filled conviction, warmth, and joyful dedication. He was a gifted preacher, a thoughtful spiritual guide, and a pastor who truly knew his people. He also brought beauty to the liturgy through his love of music, sharing his musical talents in ways that enriched parish life and deepened worship. For many families, he baptized their children, witnessed their marriages, and buried their loved ones - walking beside them through every season of life.

It did not take long for his parishioners to experience his caring heart and wise spiritual guidance. He especially loved music and was an accomplished pianist. He would even direct the choir at some celebrations so much did he love the praise of God in song. While establishing a new parish was daunting to say the least, Monsignor Ricci approached every challenge with his typical confidence of faith and trust in God's providence.

Committed to his own spiritual growth, Monsignor Ricci earned a Master's degree in Spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. His intellectual depth was matched by a simple, authentic love for Jesus Christ - a love that shaped every homily, every conversation, and every quiet act of service.

Even after retiring as pastor in 2010, he never stopped being a priest. While living in his longtime family home in Conshohocken, he continued to celebrate Mass and assisted wherever needed at local parishes, and visiting sick in hospitals and nursing homes. His priesthood was not simply a role; it was the core of who he was.

Just months ago, he celebrated his 90th birthday and 60 years of priesthood surrounded by family - milestones that reflected a life fully given to God and His people.

Monsignor Ricci is survived by his brothers, John Ricci of Norristown and Francis Ricci of Schwenksville; several loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Genevieve (Ricci) Abbott, who passed away in 2018.

A Reception of the Body will be held at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales, PA, on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:30 followed by a viewing until 8:00pm A viewing will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 starting at 9:00, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Saint Matthew Cemetery in Conshohocken.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Monsignor Ricci's memory may be made to Villa St. Joseph in Darby or to Mary, Mother of the

Redeemer Parish in North Wales.

Monsignor Philip Ricci gave his life to God and to the people he was called to serve. His legacy lives on in the priests he mentored, the parish he built, the music he shared, and the countless lives he touched. Though he will be deeply missed, his faith assures us that this is not goodbye, but "well done, good and faithful servant."