Gary Ricci

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Gary M. Ricci Sr., 66, of Grant City, a retired U.S. Postal Service supervisor, decorated Vietnam veteran and family man, died Sunday in Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Castleton Corners, where he was under hospice care, after a long battle with cancer.

A lifelong Staten Islander, he was born and raised in New Dorp and graduated from New Dorp High School. He later attended the College of Staten Island, studying business.

Mr. Ricci served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant, seeing duty in Vietnam. He was wounded and twice awarded the Purple Heart. He was very proud of his military service, family said.

After he and Joann LaBargo wed in January 1973, the couple settled in Grant City.

Mr. Ricci had a 35-year career with the Postal Service. He began as a letter carrier, and moved up through the ranks to the position of manager, then supervisor. He worked at the main post offices on the Island and in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and retired in 2006.

He enjoyed bowling and going fishing with his son, and was interested in cars. He also liked to travel and had visited Las Vegas, Cancun, Mexico, and Florida.

Mr. Ricci enjoyed spending time with his family, including his nieces and nephews.

He was outgoing and very friendly, always smiling, and people enjoyed his company. He loved to joke with children and enjoyed playing Santa at Christmas.

Mr. Ricci was a parishioner of St. Christopher's R.C. Church, Grant City.

Surviving, along with his wife of 42 years, Joann, are his son, Gary M. Jr.; his brother, Richard, and his sister, Beverly Newbrough.

The funeral will be Wednesday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, with a Mass at 9:45 a.m. in St. Christopher's Church. Arrangements include cremation.