Enrico Rick J. Addessi

Enrico (Rick) Addessi of Danbury, CT, husband of Donna (Gigliotti) Addessi passed away peacefully on February 18, 2012 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Rick was born in Danbury, CT on December 18, 1929 to the late Alesandro and Gilda (Peppe) Addessi who had immigrated to America from Fondi, Italy in the early 1900s. Rick was a graduate of Danbury High School class of 1948. Growing up with traditional family values, he was a self taught, motivated man with great respect for working hard and enjoying life. Rick was a Partner and Treasurer of Addessi Jewelers, a successfully run family business of over 60 years. He managed one of the Danbury stores in the earlier years, yet spent most of his career at Addessi Jewelers in Ridgefield located on historic Main Street. Rick earned the status of “Vintage Registered Jeweler”, a title of merit from the American Gem Society and was the recipient of the “Diamond Certificate of the Gemological Institute of America,” a world-renowned diamond training program. He embraced every aspect of the business from sweeping or shoveling the sidewalk in front of his store to selling fine jewelery and precious stones. He especially loved to work with customers and earned their trust and respect with great pride.

Rick also had a keen interest in commercial and residential real estate. He and his wife, Donna enjoyed renovating properties and valued the importance of preserving historical buildings, including donating the David Scott House, circa 1713 to the Ridgefield Historical Society. They were also honored with the Downtown Ridgefield Beautification Award for renovating their properties in the historic Village of Ridgefield. His interest in real estate prompted him to obtain his CT Real Estate Brokers license as well.

His passion for business was diverse, as he was one of the Founders and Incorporators, and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Village Bank and Trust (which was acquired by Webster Bank.) He was also a Dale Carnegie graduate of public speaking. Rick enjoyed his memberships in the Amerigo Vespucci Lodge of Danbury, the Italian American Mutual Aid Society of Ridgefield, St. Joseph's Men's Club, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, the Ridgewood Country Club and Coral Ridge Yacht Club. Rick cherished his time in Florida with his family and friends, and in earlier years at Fairfield Beach in CT boating and teaching the neighborhood children to water-ski (“heels down, toes up”.) Rick's High School superlative was 'smoothest on the dance floor' which served him well, as he and Donna enjoyed many years of dancing the night away with many friends. He took great pleasure in the outdoors and especially enjoyed gardening with his wife. Rick was an avid sports fan, and in particular was a die hard Yankees fan. A devoted and generous father with a great sense of humor, Rick was deeply loved by his children, and will be remembered for his unconditional love and for sharing with them many lifelong lessons.

Besides his parents, Rick was predeceased by his brother John and infant sister Angelina. He is survived by his loving wife Donna of 59 years, his three children, Deborah Addessi Bush of Danbury, CT, Carleen Addessi Baer of Wellesley, MA and Wayne Alexander Addessi of Newtown, CT. He is also survived by Rick Bowen, son-in-law Kenneth Baer, and daughter-in-law Bernadette (Gillen) Addessi, his adoring grandchildren, Nicole Bush, Keith and Lauren Baer, Meghan, Kathryn and Thomas Addessi and his great grandchildren, Christopher Bush and Anthony and Eric Nova. Rick is also survived by his loving brother Lewis Addessi, sister-in-law Joan Addessi and sister-in-law Delia Addessi, several nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt love and gratitude to Marcia and Siccron Pesantez who cared for Rick during his illness with love and devotion. In addition, their gratitude extends to the professional staff of the Danbury Hospital 9E floor, Western CT Home Care and Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT for their care and kindness.

In honor of Mr. Addessi's wishes there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on February 24, 2012 at St. Joseph Parish, 8 Robinson Avenue, Danbury, CT. Burial will be held in St. Peter's Cemetery. Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St.,Danbury is in charge of arrangements. Contributions in Rick's memory may be made to St. Joseph Parish, 8 Robinson Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810, or Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, 405 Main St., Danbury, CT 06810 or Western CT Home Care (VNA) 4 Liberty St., Danbury, CT 06810.