November 3, 1934 – October 24, 2015
Catherine A. (Meoli) Rico was a daughter of Italian immigrants, Saverio Meoli and Caterina Speranza. She grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts and graduated from Somerville High School in 1952.
Catherine went to work at Shawmut Bank and met her husband, Sam Rico, in 1960. It was love at first sight and they married in 1963. Together they created a loving home for their children and extended family. They also worked together in the restaurants they owned; first Valenti’s Pizza at North Station in Boston, MA and then Antonio’s Restaurant in Billerica, MA. Catherine was the heart of her family, teaching them to love, how to cook and how to be generous with time and treasure. Her Italian dinners were epic. There was always enough food in case friends and family dropped in for a visit, which happened frequently. She was the consummate hostess. Catherine and her husband, Sam, worked hard to create a loving home while putting their children through Catholic high school and then college.
Catherine had many friends. She shared lots of adventures and laughs with her very close friend, Alice McDonnell. She and “Aunt Allie” shared their joy, friendship and laughter with the whole family.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Nick and Carol Rico, and grandsons Isaac and Benjamin of Scarborough, Maine. She is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Christina and Richard Goff, and granddaughters, Jillian and Kaitlyn of Burke, Virginia. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Tony Colasante, best friend, Alice McDonnell, sister-in-law Anna Rico, brother-in-law, Gabriele Venturo and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Sam, her brothers Vito and Richard Meoli, and her sister Lena Meoli.
The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the immigrants who worked so hard to care for Catherine during the last years of her life. These women made it possible for her to remain in her home and experience a wonderful quality of life. Thanks to Laurie, Chloe, Ladi, Gladys, and all the care givers at Professional Profile who took great care of Catherine in her home. The family also extends its thanks to Mystic Valley Elderly Services, Hallmark Hospice, and Able Home Care.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford Saturday, October 31st at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday, October 30th from 4 - 8 PM. Services will conclude with entombment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to American Diabetes Association at 330 Congress St # 501, Boston, MA 02210 or online at www.diabetes.org.