Frank. Vincent. Ricco was known as many things to many people. He was a father, grandfather, loved one, a friend, co-worker and someone unique and memorable. To family and friends who knew him best, Frank will be remembered as a fiery, opinionated, Sicilian who was always ready to laugh or make people laugh.
Frank was born on August 8, 1941 in San Diego. He grew up in California but spent his adult life in Las Vegas, which was a perfect town for him.
Frank was raised with one brother, Ronnie Ricco. They grew up working on the farm and playing baseball together. Frank had many love interests in his life (giving Elizabeth Taylor a run for her money) and fathered three children; Kari, Angelo and Tony. He also has four grand-children; Karli, Sam, Michael and James.
As a young boy, Frank had two main interests, baseball, girls and occasionally selling corn for his Dad. He would venture off to find fun when he was able to get off the farm. Frank attended El Cajon High School and his favorite subject was photography and bragged about being the first male in his school to take the home economics class, where he was sure to be surrounded by all the girls.
Frank’s early work career was as an insulator for many years until he injured his back. He used this opportunity to become the first male manicurist in Nevada. There was even a newspaper article memorializing this feat.
Here he flourished by being able to exercise his social abilities and, once again, be surrounded by beautiful women. He specialized in Juliet wraps and garnered a faithful following. His charisma was legendary. His clients not only loved their nails but also his charming and magnetic personality. It could be said that he personified Warren Beatty’s character in the movie Shampoo.
Frank worked as long as we was able until his lung disease would not allow him to continue. During Frank’s years as an insulator he was exposed to asbestos which contributed to him contracting Silicosis and Asbestosis, which Frank fought for many years until his passing. He kept his sense of humor and spunk until his last days.
Frank was a proud card-carrying Sicilian, which must be noted, is not exactly the same as an Italian. He loved his all day coffee ritual and also making meatballs from his Mother’s recipe and was also a lover of Dilly Bars. Frank was a casual collector of firearms, which were never too far from reach.
The things Frank enjoyed most later in life, were watching sports, especially the Yankees, driving his pristine blue Mustang, and watching Price is Right and Judge Judy. One of his favorite pastimes was debating or heckling the news. In his final year, Frank enjoyed spending time outside, catching up with old friends and having visitors to reminisce with. True to form, Frank had his Angels that would care for him when he was no longer able to do so for himself. Melissa, Marina, Kelly and Madison. His stories were always told and there were a lot of them. He had many experiences in life, some he cherished, some not so much and some that would make Madonna blush. But one thing can be said about Frank…his life was lived on his own terms and always his way.
