Richard Riccardi (Class of 1960) passed away a few weeks ago on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021. Rich was living in Southern California with his wife. Following his graduation from PHS, Rich attended Newark College of Engineering and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1964. He was also commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force. Rich served his country for many years, including time in Vietnam, Germany, and various locations in the US. He achieved the rank of Lt. Col. and was always proud of the Air Force and this great country.
Vince Campisi (1960)
Rick was my best friend in high school, we spent a lot of time together having good clean fun. In school one of our highlights was our time in Mary Bellina's Italian class. We always managed to say something funny in Italian or do something funny with the result that she would tell us in Italian to go to the office. Both Mary Bellina and Rick passed around the same time. Rick was supposed to be my Best Man however He was called to active duty soon after he graduated from NCE and could not make the wedding. I called him where he was stationed and a woman answered the phone and said "Nurses Officers Quarters", I couldn't believe it there was no room at the Bachelor Officers Quarters and He was assigned a room in the Nurses Officers Quarters. And as a graduate Chemical Engineer and a commissioned officer, 2nd Lieutenant, his job was to make sure the water in the pool was in the proper chemical range. Shortly after he was sent to Vietnam no fun there. We stayed in touch over the years we saw each other at the PHS 50th year reunion, and we were hoping that we might get to see him in California if we made the trip with our motor home, but that did not happen. I am glad we had a chance to speak earlier this year however he never let on that he was sick. Rest In Peace my friend, and say hello to Mary Bellina, you will both be missed.
Ardis P Zanker (Uberti) (1960)
I was so saddened to hear that Rich passed. It was always so fun to see him at reunions and hear about his adventures. The receptionist in my office was always so impressed to announce that Lt Colonel Richard Riccardi was on the phone for me (I was also impressed). He recently posted a picture of himself in his uniform and he looked fabulous. I'll always remember what a great dancer he was and loved seeing him and Joanne Calianese dancing together. Rest in Peace Rich.
Stanley Schweiger (1960)
So sad to hear and read about Rich. He was great fun. He was a terrific jazz fan, and we went to jazz concerts in NYC. We went to a concert at the Brooklyn Paramount -- a real star-studded lineup: Don Adams was the emcee, and some of the headliners were Mel Torme, Dave Brubeck, Dakota Staton. After the concert, I asked Rich his first thoughts about what we had seen. He held up his hands and said (I'm paraphrasing), "I clapped so hard I won't be able to use these hands for a week!" He will be greatly missed!~ R.I.P. Rich!
Carole Maltagliati (Levitt) (1960)
I was so sorry to get the news of Rick's passing. He always had a smile, and was an upbeat guy. We kept in touch over the years, calling one another now and then to say " hi "and catch up with what was happening in our lives. We met for dinner once when I was in California, and had a wonderful time just reminiscing He told me he loved to cook and shared his favorite Italian recipe with me. The last time I saw Rck was at our 55th class reunion. I was hoping I would get to see him at our next one. I will miss our "catch up" phone conversations and him very much. Rest In Peace, dear Rick.
Gail Lischke (Eaton) (1960)
Dear Paramus graduates of 1960 we hae lost a good guy. Rick and I used to talk about once a month plus exchange jokes on Face Book. God Bless Rick -Gail Lischke Eaton