Helen DeNinno Ricci, 89, died Thursday, September 10, 2015, at home, surrounded by her family.
She was born May 4, 1926, to Giovanni Battiste DeNinno and Genoeffa Conca DeNinno, and had five brothers and two sisters. Helen was the widow of Joseph Thomas Ricci, whom she married on January 6, 1951. They were married for 29 years and were blessed with four children, Joseph T. Ricci Jr., Marilyn Ricci Caito, Shirley Ricci Reichwein, and John D. Ricci. Together, Helen and Joseph owned J. Ricci Packing Inc., a food services company where they, their children, spouses, and some grandchildren all eventually worked.
Helen has 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, facts she was very proud of and would work into any conversation. Helen delighted in sharing a meal with her family, followed by competitive games of Rummikub or High-Low Jack.
Helen had a generous spirit and showed it by cooking for others. If you enjoyed one of her dishes, she would make it for you on your birthday every year. Food is love in her family. Her meticulously tin foil-wrapped & labeled delicacies were coveted and treasured by many. Her sauce was worth it’s weight in gold, and though she shared her recipe, none can replicate it completely. Whether in Rhode Island or Florida (where she spent winters each year with her daughter’s family) “Macaroni Day” was a tradition in which all participated. She delegated jobs and oversaw the pasta and ravioli from dough to finished product. If you were doing it right, she’d stand right next to you and let you know “that’s it, that’s it”. If you didn’t receive that seal of approval, she’d click her tongue at you, shake her head and take over the job until you understood. Climbing the macaroni-making ladder was only done with her consent, from the bottom rungs of counting ravioli to the upper echelons of making filling or dough. It was a labor of love and when it was done, everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labor, topped with her infamous gravy.
“Nonnie”, as she was referred to, was a joy to be around. She noticed everything, whether it was a new hairstyle or a stain on your shirt. Her incessant reading and puzzle-making most likely contributed to her sound mind, while a quick wit and love of laughter will leave her more deeply missed.
Helen was survived by Joseph T. Ricci Jr. & his wife Katherine of Lincoln, Marilyn Caito & her husband Anthony of Smithfield, Shirley A. Reichwein & her husband Alan of Eustis, FL, and John D. Ricci of Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Helen DeNinno Ricci’s funeral will be held Tuesday at 7:45am from Anderson-Winfield Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. A Mass of Christian Burial at 9 am in St. Jude’s Church, 301 Front Street Lincoln. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston. Visitation Monday 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Home and Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.