Obituary of James P. Ricciardi

James Ricciardi, 71, of Brookfield, beloved husband of Hildy (Mogensen) Ricciardi, died at Danbury Hospital on Sunday, November 27th, after a brief illness. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 27, 1945, son of the late Michael and Janet (Weisman) Ricciardi. He was raised in Ozone Park and lived many years in Rockaway Beach, NY. He was a distributor who owned and operated a soda route in Manhattan for many years. He was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. A talented handyman, Jim could fix or build just about anything. Jim will be remembered as a gentle giant and was a hero to all who loved him. He never met a child he didn’t love, and they loved him just as much. In addition to his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Hildy, he will be sadly missed by his children, Hildy Ricciardi-Betts and her husband, Scott, Kirk Ricciardi, and Jesse Ricciardi; and his six cherished grandchildren, James, Duncan, Michael, Savannah, Liberty, and Cason. He is also survived by his two brothers, Michael and Tommy; his three sisters, Janet, JoAnn, and Pamela; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, John. Friends are welcome to visit the family home in Brookfield this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between the hours of 3:00 - 7:00pm, and on Saturday between the hours of 1:00 - 5:00pm. A Memorial Gathering will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The International Rescue Committee (www.Rescue.org) or to Heifer International (www.Heifer.org).