Thomas F. Ricalde

Thomas F. Ricalde, age 76 of Ogdensburg, passed away peacefully, with his daughter by his side, on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, at the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon.
Born in New York City to the late Enrique and Claudia (Stern) Ricalde, Thomas grew up in West Paterson, NJ, eventually moving to Ridgefield Park and briefly Lake Hiawatha before settling in Ogdensburg. He joined the Marine Corps in early 1968, and as a member of the 3rd Marine Division, proudly served his country in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart. After his honorable discharge, he owned and operated Glacier Electronics in Dover and later worked as an OSHA Compliance Officer for UPS in Parsippany and was a proud member of the Teamsters Union Local 177.
Thomas was a talented artist, devout Catholic, and enjoyed model N-scale trains. Above all else, he loved playing guitar. His affinity for guitar got him through the many highs and lows of his life. He was a parishioner of St. Thomas of Aquin RC Church as well as a member of the Holy Name Society, a member and officer of the VFW Post 7248 in Sparta, and the Robert E. Wheelock Memorial Chapter 327 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He was honored to play an integral part in the planning and placement of the Northwest Vietnam Memorial at Lafayette Pond Park.
Predeceased by his parents; beloved wife Gloria Ricalde; infant son Thomas John Ricalde; and brother Victor Ricalde, Thomas is survived by his loving daughter Michelle Ricalde and her husband Michael Maxwell; and his grandchildren Anthony and Jonathan Hauck.
Visitation for Thomas will be held on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, from 3-7PM at the F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, One Main Street, Franklin, NJ 07416. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 12th, 10AM at the St. Thomas of Aquin RC Church in Ogdensburg. Burial in the St. Thomas Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America https://vva.org/donate/?utm_source=main_donate To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our Tree Store.