Lucia E. (Leonelli) Ricci

78, died peacefully on September 28, 2021 at her home in Prospect, CT surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Vincent Ricci.

Born in Providence, RI, the eldest child of the late Joseph and Esther (Grossi) Leonelli, she lived with her husband in Prospect for 55 years. She leaves her siblings: Esther Leonelli, Mina Groman, and Joseph Leonelli. She was predeceased by her sister Mary Lennon.

She leaves her daughter, Christina Mayone and husband Lawrence, her son Vincent Ricci and wife Faye, and her son Michael Ricci and wife Deryn.  She was predeceased by her daughter Diana Ricci, wife of Paul Nash. She also leaves 10 grandchildren whom she loved very much: Carlos, Christopher, Vincent, Lilian, Nigel, Chelsea, Darwin, Daniel, Simon, and Giulia.

Lucia graduated second in her class at St. Teresa’s High School in Providence, RI. She earned a B.S. in Business Education from the University of Rhode Island, where she met her husband Vin. She worked as a substitute teacher for Prospect and Beacon Falls while her children were young. She later earned her M.S. in Education from Southern Connecticut State University and taught fifth grade at St. Mary School in Waterbury, CT.

Lucia was always heavily involved in the community. In Prospect, she was President of the PTA, Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, and served on many committees throughout the years. She was active at St. Anthony Church where she taught CCD. Lucia founded and was the first President of the Notre Dame International High School Parents Association in Rome, Italy.

She had many interests and hobbies including sailing, knitting, sewing, ceramics, reading, history, and travel. She lived in Rome, Italy with her husband and their three youngest children from 1984-87, and visited many countries while living there.

She had many lifelong friendships, was a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, and maintained close relationships with her cousins, in-laws, and extended family.  She will be greatly missed for her outgoing and affectionate personality and her infectious laugh.

Her family would like to express their gratitude to Masonicare home hospice for the exceptional care and comfort they provided Lucia in the last months of her life.

VISITING HOURS will be held in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston on Saturday, October 16, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 1525 Cranston St., Cranston. Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FI. 17, Chicago. IL 60601. 

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