Anthony Riccio
July 20, 1952 ~ January 16, 2022
Anthony Vincent Riccio, 69 of Westbrook, passed away unexpectedly at home on January 16, 2022. He was born July 20, 1952 in West Hartford to the late Joseph and Lena (Morrone) Riccio. Anthony is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Dorothy "Bunny" Riccio and son, Allen Riccio of Westbrook. He is also survived by his sister, Joanna Gorman of Branford and three nephews, Joseph Gorman of Rowayton, John Gorman of New Haven and Stephen Dennis of Brooklyn, NY.
A resident of New Haven in his early years, Anthony graduated from Richard C. Lee High School in 1970 and went on to attend Providence College. After earning a Bachelor's degree in 1974, he relocated to Boston, MA, where he became director of the North End Senior Center. There, Anthony cultivated long-lasting relationships with the city's Italian-American senior citizens, conducting countless interviews that would later form the material for his first book, "Portrait of an Italian-American Neighborhood: The North End of Boston," published in 1998.
In 1982, Anthony moved to North Branford, CT, taking a position as an accounting manager at Metro-North Railroad in New Haven. He immersed himself in Greater New Haven's Italian-American community while building an extensive portfolio of original photographs on periodic trips to Italy. He received his Master's degree at Syracuse University as a Florentine Fellow in 1995 and, a year later, began working at Yale University's Sterling Memorial Library, where he would go on to enjoy a long and rewarding career as a stacks manager.
While at Yale, Anthony resumed work on one of his many life passions: documenting through one-on-one interviews the history, culture, and traditions of Italian-American citizens throughout the northeast. Between 1998 and 2021, he published six books, including a collection of essays, oral histories, and photographs documenting New Haven's rich Italian-American culture, "The Italian-American Experience in New Haven: Images and Oral Histories." He also partnered with the late chef Silvio Suppa to co-author a cookbook. At the time of his death, Anthony was putting the finishing touches on his latest release, "Stories, Streets and Saints: The North End of Boston," to be published at a later date.
Following retirement in 2019, Anthony enjoyed spending time with family, going on long-distance bike rides, and walking his dogs around his hometown of Westbrook, Connecticut. He continued to labor tirelessly on his photography and writing projects until his final days.
A vibrant, loving person with a genuine passion for his work, Anthony will be dearly missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew and loved him in the New Haven and Boston communities.
A graveside service will be held in the future with all services under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Once date is selected, web page will be updated and shared. In lieu of flowers, in Anthony's memory, please make donations to Vista Life Innovations in Westbrook, CT.
www.Clancy-PalumboFuneralHome.com
203-467-2789

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register on Jan. 22, 2022.

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Karen Cutone

January 14, 2023

On New Years Day we had company and Anthony was the topic of conversation. That seems to happen often in our house. He will always be remembered.

Vinnie and Karen Cutone

Gabriele Crognale

December 8, 2022

I first learned about a young man named Anthony Riccio from my grandparents, who told me that he had come into their Salutation Street cold water flat in the North End to interview my grandfather, Francesco, about his recollection of coming to America in 1913. My grandfather, Chiccilo, we called him, also told me that Anthony had borrowed a number of his old photographs to use in his project, so I wanted to know more about this "kid" as we were both the same age in 1980, and realized years later that he had written several books about Boston's North End. That led me to meet up with Anthony at his last book signing at the North End Cultural Center on North Street, where I introduced myself to him, and gave him an autographed copy of my book as he returned the favor and gave me a similarly autographed copy of his book, paying homage to my late grandparents. I was so sad to hear of his passing recently, as at the time of his passing, I was recovering from a major surgery. Ripose in pace, caro Antonio.

Tony Balzano Jr

August 6, 2022

I just found out of Anthony's Passing and remember him helping me on a Basketball Court in Fair Haven in 1973. I was 15 years Old and trying out for the Wilbur Cross High bball Team. He gave me so.many tips and training ideas several new moves that I feel helped me make the team. Every time that I encountered Anthony since then was always a Positive and Uplifting experience. This was a Special Man who made you feel better when You left him. I am Proud to be a Italian American because of the Vibrance of this man who has inspired everyone he has ever crossed paths with. Rest in Peace Anthony I will Never forget Your Kindness and Your Passion for Life.

Jessan Dunn (DeCredico) Otis

June 6, 2022

Within the past few days I learned of Anthony's passing from Steve Mascena. I met both when they were undergraduates at Providence College. While keeping occasional contact since, I was deeply saddened with this unexpected loss. May his memory be a blessing. Rise up and rest, Riccio. (That is how I often called him.) Sending love to all who knew and loved him. ~ Jessan

Susan and Don Nedd

February 11, 2022

Our heartfelt sympathy to Bunny and family.

vincent and karen cutone

February 2, 2022

My husband and I meet Anthony at the library in the North End. His book FROM ITALY TO THE NORTH END has the cover of the house where husband grew up. I loved to hear him tell his stories it was walking thru time. I even sent him home with pizzelles that day. It was a pleasure and a true honor to have known Anthony for such a short period of time. You have our deepest sympathy. He will always and forever be remembered.

Alice (H.R.Hauck) Beckwith

February 2, 2022

Dear Bunny I am so sorry to learn of your loss. All I can say is remember the Wolf of Gubbio and all of the good times. Sincerely, Alice

Susan Petrie

January 31, 2022

I'm so, so sorry to hear about Anthony's passing. I worked at SUNY Press and helped publish "Italian-American Experience in New Haven." Several of us drove down to NH for the launch event - what a great, great memory. I will always remember Anthony's care and enthusiasm, and his interest in giving people pride in their roots. I hope the family will be all right, you're in my prayers. Sue

Robyn Healy Jenkins

January 26, 2022

I so shocked and saddened by this news - I am actually just reading his book The Italian Experience in New Haven-Images and Oral Histories, so very sorry-my sympathies and prayers to his family.

Anna Carabetta

January 24, 2022

So very saddened to hear of this news. Sending you all prayers of strength.

Valerie Wellons

January 24, 2022

He was a kind person one of the first I'd met at Yale. He was always willing to listen and would tell such great stories. To all of the family and friends my sincerest condolences.

Bonnie Lynch

January 24, 2022

I met Anthony on my walks with my dog. I'm in shock by his passing as he was such a vibrant and loving man. I wish his wife and family my heartfelt condolences. I will miss him everyday; he was such a wonderful person.

Toni Criscuolo

January 24, 2022

To the Riccio family--- sincere sympathy for your loss. Please know that his books and talks touched many and inspired our pride in being Italian-American. His work will live on in ethnic history!

Jimmy Savastano

January 23, 2022

So sorry for your lost of a Great person. Tony and I Met playing Basketball in North Branford many years ago.All I could say what GREAT GUY.

Bob Jarvis jr.

January 23, 2022

Rip Ant Today´s meal will be in memory of you Say hello to Silvio. Condolences to the Family. Tiny.

Anthony Tortora

January 22, 2022

To his wife and family except my condolences. I met Anthony also at a book signing 16 years ago
Who I was very impressed with. I also live in Westbrook and had often run into Anthony on his walks . We all should be proud of his work of the life of Italians in America .I feel lucky to have known him Anthony Tortora
.

Theresa Balzano Kinscherf

January 22, 2022

I am so sad and shocked by the passing of Anthony. We went to St Rose School together and he was such a shining star. Myself and my family's thoughts and prayers are with the Riccio family through this very difficult time. God bless you all.
Sincerely, Theresa Balzano & Family

Tony Piccolo

January 22, 2022

Very sorry to learn of Tony´s passing. I met him once in the Summer of 2006 at a book signing on Wooster St in New Haven. My wife was being treated for Cancer and remained in the Car for Me to go in to get an autographed copy of his book. When I told about my Wife, He left the book signing to come and bring her the book. I will always be grateful for his kindness.

Michael & Laurel Caprio

January 22, 2022

Dear Bunny & Al, Laurel and I are still in shock over Anthony's passing. He will always be remembered as a good friend, talented author, loving husband, and father. He always had a smile on his face and never a bad word for anyone. May he rest in peace.

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