Ralph F. Riccio

Ralph F. Riccio from Alsip, Illinois, 93, departed peacefully in his sleep with his wife by his side on October 21, 2025. He is survived by his bride of 70 years, Joanne M. Riccio, children Pamela Hensel Gibson (Tom Gibson) (late Ken Hensel), the late Elliot Hensel (Caley), Bruce Riccio (Geneva) and daughters Samantha (Trent Shapiro), Becka Riccio, Shannon (Dan McCall), Christine Redmond (Michael) and children Rachael (Mike Tisoncik), Jack Redmond and great grandchildren Charlotte Tisoncik, August Shapiro and Eve Jossi Hensel. He was preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Cristina Riccio, and his brothers and sister, Frank, Joseph and Sylivia. Ralph was the youngest child and born after they emigrated to the United States in 1926 from the Castelfranco area of Italy.

Born and raised in the West Pullman neighborhood of Chicago, Ralph was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. He was stationed in France during the conflict and met Joanne after returning home. He worked at Chicago Bridge & Iron, retiring after 36 years.

He served on the school board for many years, first in Calumet Park and then in Palos Heights. Ralph was known for his legendary sense of humor and always loved a good joke. He loved to spend time with family and friends and he and Joanne travelled to many places together. He participated in the Honor Flight in 2018 to celebrate his service to this country.

Ralph was a great dancer and always the life of the party. When he retired, he spent a lot of time on the golf course, either playing or as an attendant. He delighted in a good Bagna Cauda Party and the opportunity for a family feast, to share with friends, and to pass on this tradition......always enjoyed by all!

Ralph was loved and admired and will be missed by many.

He will be interred at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. on November 4, 2025.

The family welcomes donations to the USO, or a memorial tree, in lieu of flowers.