Appolonia M. “Bella” Riccio, 101, formerly of Franklin, MA, died Saturday October 29, 2016, in Pleasant Valley Nursing Center in Derry, NH. She was born in Boston, MA on May 3, 1915, a daughter of the late John and Antoinette Amerino. Bella was a phenomenal cook and made everything from scratch. She enjoyed sewing, made friends easily and doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the current holder of the Boston Post Cane for the Town of Derry. Bella will be remembered as a woman of great style who took great pride in keeping an immaculate appearance her entire life. She will be remembered as a true lady.
She is survived by her two sons, Daniel J. Riccio and his wife Peggy, and William A. Riccio; one daughter, Susan Riccio Doyle, 11 grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Anthony Riccio and her brother and sisters, Anthony Amerino, Evelyn Rossi and Julia Dinucci.
Calling hours were held on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 10:00am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Avenue, Derry. Burial followed in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden, MA.