Donald Ricca

Donald (Donnie, Don) Ricca, 88 years old, a longtime resident of Wayne, NJ passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife, daughter and care giver on Monday, August 7, after a long illness. 

Don was born on July 25, 1935 in Paterson, NJ to Gladys and Guido Ricca (immigrants from Italy). Raised in Haledon, he lived in Wayne for over 65 years. He graduated from Central High School in 1953 and was a member of the Rutgers University Class of 1957 and active member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. 

Don started his long career in Textiles as a lab technician at Jersey State Chemical Company in Haledon. Through the years, the company changed names and was sold, however, the one constant was Don. He grew with the company and went from lab technician to Salesman where he met his passion and niche. He had the rapport with his customers like no other Salesman. He was sincere, honest, meticulous and compassionate about his work which rewarded him for many years being named their top Salesman. Even after he retired (which he actually never did retire), he continued to maintain his customer base, as Don was the only one they trusted with their orders. He was truly one in a million.

In Don’s spare time, he was an avid reader of suspense novels and had a passion for finances. He would spend hours researching “conservative” investments and discussing them with his hand-picked financial advisors. He enjoyed these activities both in NJ and at his family’s get-away in Cape Cod. For many years Don enjoyed the beautiful scenes, smells, food, and fun on the shores of Cape Cod. He so enjoyed spending time there with his family and through the years with countless visitors. It was truly a paradise for him and for those that shared it with him. Wherever Don was (NJ, NY, MA, RI, or anywhere else), he would always find the “best” restaurants. If Don invited you out to eat, you knew it was going to be an awesome time with lots of good food and lots of smiles.   

Don met the love of his life Marie by chance – through a friend. Neither knew at the time that they would become each other’s best friends, confidants, partners in crime, ying/yang – soul mates for life – but they did. They were married on June 8, 1957 and have not left each other’s side ever since. Known by many as “Donnie & Marie”, they were truly a perfect pair, living their dream life together – through thick and thin. 

Don was a devout Catholic. He was one of the founding parishioners at Our Lady of the Valley in Wayne for 63 years. He and his wife spent many hours volunteering and supporting the OLV parish and the OLV grammar school. 

Putting work, books, finances and food aside (well maybe not food), the most important thing to Don was his family, especially his wife, daughters and grandchildren. Everything he did in life was for them. He made it his mission to never miss an event for his children or grandchildren – from school plays or events to sports (swimming, basketball, softball, football, field hockey, soccer) to dance recitals to graduations to family gatherings (which always included food). He was at them all – always with a smile, an appetite and a camera and positive words of encouragement. 

Don was predeceased by his parents, Gladys and Guido Ricca and his aunt and uncle, Elsie and Joe Giannetti. He is survived by his soul mate and best friend, wife of 66 years, Marie, his two daughters, Deb Ricca, Donna Siconolfi and her husband, Philip Siconolfi; his three grandchildren, Dominic Siconolfi, Marissa Siconolfi, Angelo Siconolfi; and his cousin (more like a brother), Joe Giannetti and his wife Carol and their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his Goddaughters, Christine Wimberly and Darlene Vazquez and their families; and his nieces and nephews and their families, as well as cousins and other family members; and the hospice nurse, Melanie and the many compassionate caregivers: Claresa, Clajia, Adriana and too many more to mention. Don was truly BLESSED! 

In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made in Don’s name to any of these organizations that Don had a passion for and hopefully provide others with hope and cures. St Jude's Children Research Hospital, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation