Gertrude Ricci, 81, of Kingston Street, Johnston, died Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Morgan Health Center in Johnston with her family by her side. She was the loving wife of Francesco Ricci. They had been married for 30 years.
Born in Johnston, she was a daughter of the late Rudolf and Ragina (Scheider) Wallitsch. She had lived in Johnston all her life.
Gertrude was a founding member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Smithfield and was active in many aspects of the church. She loved the Red Sox; there was no bigger fan anywhere to be found. Gertrude also loved cooking for her loved ones. Her family raved about her famous meatballs. She was a sweet, lovable and caring person.
She was the beloved step- mother of Peter Preston of England, the late Michael Ricci, William Ricci and his wife, Karen of Seymour, Connecticut as well as devoted grandmother to her five grandchildren and four great grandchildren, and adored aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Herman, Louis, and Henry Wallitsch.
Her Funeral Service will be held Friday at 11am in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 54 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield. Visitation will be Friday morning 9-10:30am in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 54 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield, RI 02917