Ellenton, Fla. - Joseph F. Ricci, Jr. 67, of Ellenton, Florida and a former Franklin resident, died December 22, 2011 at the Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, following an illness.
Born April 14, 1944 in Boston, a son of the late Joseph F. Ricci, Sr. and Jamesina H. (Colmer) Ricci, he had been a resident of Ellenton for the past 10 years, and was a former longtime resident of Franklin.
He was raised and educated in Dedham and Franklin, and until his retirement he worked as a baker for Wonder Bread.
Joseph was a member of the United States Navy and served during the Viet Nam War, he was assigned to serve aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in February of 1967.
He enjoyed fishing, camping, card playing, and NASCAR.
He is survived by his children; James E. Ricci of Bradenton, Fla., Kevin J. Ricci of Franklin, Kristin J. Ricci of Millville, and Julie B. Ricci of Franklin, 2 sisters Irene Mucciarone and her husband Charles of Franklin, and Joanne McCusker and her husband Richard of Fla. Also surviving are his 3 grandchildren. He also leaves his longtime companion Mary Jane Mittenberg of Fla.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate and share memories of Joseph on Friday April 13th, from 6-8PM at the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Franklin, www.oterifuneralhome.com.
Interment services will be held privately.