Francis "Rick" Ricigliano

Francis "Rick" Ricigliano, 84, of Primrose, passed away Tuesday at Schuylkill Medical Center–South Jackson Street.

Born in Landingville, he was a son of the late Frank Ricigliano and Mary Nigro Ricigliano.

He attended Schuylkill Haven schools before moving to Pottsville, graduating from Pottsville High School in 1948.

He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in Germany.

A dedicated sportsman, Rick was an accomplished athlete, having played both football and baseball in high school. After high school, his pitching abilities followed him into local leagues, as well as the inter-company Army leagues.

He would later take an interest in bowling, both in play and in leadership. He was a member of the Pottsville Bowling Association, having served as a director and president. He helped organize the Association's Hall of Fame Committee.

In later years, he would participate in Senior Olympics. He earned numerous medals, both locally and statewide.

Rick was inducted into the Pottsville Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1988, and the Allen-Rogowicz Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.

In 1957, he and his wife, Shirley, purchased the offices of the former Lytle Coal Co. and converted the property to a catering facility. The Rick-Ann Hall began as a hobby, eventually flourishing into one of Schuylkill County's best known catering facilities. Shirley and Rick retired in 2000 and sold the business after hosting more than 1000 weddings, and hundreds of class reunions, banquets, funeral dinners and other events.

Rick was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville. He was also a life member of South Cass Fire Company, Primrose.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Anna "Shirley" Laychock; two sons, Joseph and Francis "Rick" III; and three siblings, Patrick Ricigliano, Jeanette Zaber and Tillie Barnham.

Surviving are his son, Peter Ricigliano and his wife, Cheryl, Primrose; two granddaughters, Sarah and Katelyn Ricigliano; two brothers, Joseph Ricigliano, Philadelphia, and Fred Ricigliano, California; nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 6 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday at Dutcavich Funeral Home, Minersville. Liturgy will be held at 11 a.m. in St. Nicholas Church. The family prefers remembrances to South Cass Fire Company. Interment will be in St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Branch Township. Contributions can be made to the South Cass Citizens Fire Company, 14 Water Lane, Pottsville. Visit www.dutcavich.com.

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