John A. Ricci

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Antonio and Theresa (Calderone) Ricci. He was also the brother of Louise Ricci (101) and the late Victoria Mauro and Anna McCullough.

John held many roles in his lifetime — son, brother, friend, soldier, husband, father, grandfather, carpenter, toolmaker, neighbor, and classic car enthusiast. Naturally gifted and mechanically inclined, he had the rare ability to turn anything he touched into gold.

A graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, John began his career at Brown & Sharpe, where he worked for 25 years before joining Precision Tool Industries. His craftsmanship and attention to detail defined his work until his retirement at age 75.

John proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Shortly after, he met his young wife, Donna, 16 years of age, on his 28th birthday, at a dance hall behind the iconic Grist Mill. He, along with her father, built her a beautiful home, where they shared over 57 years of marriage based on hard work, devotion, love, and family. They raised three children — John-Michael Ricci, Jennifer Ricci, and the late Jaclyn (Ricci) Snow, who remained forever in his heart.

A lifelong car enthusiast, John’s passion was restoring classics—none more meaningful than his beloved 1934 Cadillac Convertible Coupe Roadster. Purchased in 1966, it rested in his garage for decades before becoming his retirement masterpiece. Surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors, he spent three years bringing it to perfection — a reflection of his patience, skill, and joy in the process.

Some of his most cherished memories were spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed restoring vehicles, in particular, a 56 Chevy pickup and a 72 Chevy Cheyenne with his son John-Michael, just to name a few that they worked on together. He built a meticulously detailed Victorian doll house with Jennifer and a general store with Jaclyn and sewed countless pointe shoes with a vintage singer sewing machine. Above all, he loved being called “Papa.” His grandchildren were his greatest joy — whether pulling them in the wagon, singing with Isabelle, or sitting with Derek “watching the grass grow.”

John was the neighbor everyone wished they had — always ready with a tool, advice, or a friendly word during his walks up and down Tara St.

He is survived by his loving wife Donna Ricci; his children John-Michael Ricci (wife Kathleen Ricci), and Jennifer Ricci; his son-in-law Todd Snow; his cherished grandchildren Isabelle and Derek; his beloved sister Louise Ricci (age 101); and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and too many friends to count.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial on Monday October 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Grace Church, 15 George Waterman Rd, Johnston. Feel free to attend with your classic car as a tribute to John Ricci and the legacy he left behind. Burial will be private.