Obituary of Rev. Robert Ricciardi

CHESHIRE - The Reverend Robert P. Ricciardi, 67, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2013, at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by his family. Father Ricciardi was born September 5, 1946, in Waterbury, the son of the late Paul and Eleanor (Golden) Ricciardi. He attended Sacred Heart High School before graduating from St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT. Father Bob continued his education at St. Bonaventure University in NY, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1971. He entered Christ the King Seminary, graduating in 1979. In 1986 he obtained certification as a licensed practical nurse. Father Ricciardi was ordained by The Most Reverend John F. Whealon, Archbishop of Hartford, on August 10, 1979, at St. Mary Church in Derby. His assignments included serving the following Connecticut parishes: Holy Family, Enfield; St. Francis, New Haven; St. Peter, Torrington; Our Lady of Peace, East Hartford; St. Rose, East Hartford; Good Shepherd, Seymour; and St. Bridget, Cheshire, where he served as assistant pastor from 1999-2005 and pastor for the past 8 years. Father Ricciardi also served as chaplain of the New Haven Chapter of the Association of Catholic Nurses as well as Catholic chaplain at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Father Ricciardi was a founding director of the Cheshire Community Food Pantry. Father Bob's great sense of humor and ability to connect with people of all ages enabled him to touch many lives. His family is most grateful for his presence in their lives and will continue to celebrate his life and honor his memory. Father Ricciardi is survived by his sisters, Jean Signori, and her husband Peter, of Bronxville, NY, Judith Calabrese of Waterbury, and Nancy Wilson of Wolcott; his nieces and nephews Jennifer, Peter, Susan, Beth, Alexis, Sarah, Paul, and Adrienne; his great nieces and nephews Trevor, Holly, Noelle, Luca, and Alessia; his Aunt Claire and several cousins. Arrangements - The Reverend Robert Ricciardi will lie in state Wednesday, November 20, 2013, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire, CT with a Parish Mass being held at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, Archbishop of Hartford, on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., St. Bridget Church, Cheshire. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cheshire Food Pantry, P.O. Box 457, Cheshire, CT 06410. The Alderson Funeral Home, 615 South Main St., is assisting with arrangements.