Anthony J. "Tony" Ricotta Sr., 96, met his Savior on July 17, 2014 with his children by his side.
Tony was born on April 11, 1918 in Dunkirk to the late Leo and Frances (Valentine) Ricotta. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force for four years from the beginning until the end of World War II, serving in the European Theatre, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Germany and Austria. Upon discharge, he operated the family grocery store. When the family business closed in 1956, he became employed at Cease Commissary and then moved on to a position in maintenance at Fredonia State College.
In his retirement years, he worked in the office at his son's local business, Open View Window and Building Products. Tony was a member of Holy Trinity Church, past member of the church's senior society and was a member of American Legion Post 62. He was an avid gardener who dotingly tended to his prize-winning vegetable garden daily. He bagged vegetables for his family and friends regularly. He was also an ardent bicyclist who rode at least 30 miles daily with an occasional roundtrip ride to Buffalo until the age of 80. In his spare time, he worked in home improvement.
He enjoyed writing and wrote editorials sharing his views in the Observer People's Column for many years. Most of all, he took pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His favorite pastime was getting together with his family and friends for meals that he lovingly prepared.
He is survived by four daughters, Frances Clark, Annette (Philip) Julian, Mary Ann (William) Pryll, Grace Velk and two sons, Anthony Ricotta Jr., all of Dunkirk/Fredonia, and Samuel (Christina) Ricotta of Austin, Texas. In addition, he is survived by 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Joseph (Anita) Ricotta, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis (Crino) Ricotta, whom he married Oct. 30, 1945; one brother, Samuel (Sara) Ricotta; two sisters, Rose (Sam) Mancuso, Grace (Dominic) Crino; and two infant sisters.
Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 9:15 from the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 o'clock in Holy Trinity Church. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the charity of your choice. Donations can be made to St. Jude's in Tony's name by calling 1-800-822-6344 or online at [email protected]. They can also be made by mailing them to St. Jude's Tribute Program, P.O. 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 34148.
Obituary from the Dunkirk Observer
