Gerald Valintino Ricci

1935 - 2020

Gerald Valintino Ricci

Gerald Valintino Ricci passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on April 14, 2020. Born June 26, 1935 in Ely, Nevada to Federico William Ricci and Mafalda Iannacchione Ricci. He attended East Ely Grade School graduating from White Pine High School in 1953. Gerry married the love of his life Nancy Joann Veronda in June of 1961. Together they enjoyed a beautiful life with their two sons Jerry and Bill surrounding themselves with extended family and friends until Nancy's passing in 2007. Coming from Immigrant parents Gerry understood hard work, perseverance and integrity, this showed in his 35 years of employment with the Northern Nevada Railroad retiring as N.N.R. Engine Shop Superintendent. A true Nevadan, Gerry's commitment to his community of Ely produced 59 years of service with the Ely Volunteer Fire Department holding numerous positons within the Department. He was also a member of the Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus, White Pine JayCee's and Ely Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Committee. Gerry would travel throughout the State of Nevada with the original White Pine B.B.Q. Crew cooking pit style lamb, pig and turkey for fundraising efforts for Catholic Charities, St. Jude's, the White Pine Cattlewomen's Business Barbeques and other nonprofit organizations. Some of Gerry's fondest memories were his hunting trips with family and friends, his passion for hunting has been passed down to his sons, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gerry's most recent hunting accomplishment was at the age of 83 harvesting a record book Desert Big Horn Sheep scored at 170 7/8. He enjoyed his afternoons being part of "The Shop Crew" sitting in his own special chair listening to great stories and adding to them. Known to many as "Uncle Gerry" and a God Father to several, he loved them all. With that being said, he will be greatly missed by so many, Godspeed Uncle.

He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy, parents Fred and Mafalda, brother, Fred Ricci, sister-in-law Delores Ricci, half-sisters, Filomena Ursini and Emilia Monaco.

Survived by his sons, Jerry (Evelene) Ricci, Bill (Lori) Ricci; Brother, Hugh (Pamela) Ricci; Sister, Silvanna Ricci; Grandchildren, Rico, Lauren Sophia and Nico Ricci, Bailey and Riley Twitchell, Trevor, Tallen and Haiden Ricci; Great Grandchildren Tigan Ricci, Luna Maia and Olive Sewell. After his brother Fred's passing he took Fred's children Chris, Jeanette, Kathy and Nick Ricci under his wing, of whom he was very proud of, he also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on July 3 at 9:00 a.m. in Ely, Nevada at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A luncheon will follow at 11:00 A.m. at the Ely Volunteer Fire Hall.