Sam Ricca

Sam Ricca, 78, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2010. He was born August 17, 1932 in Burleson Country to immigrant farmers. His parents, Joe and Mary, came over from Sicily in the 1900’s to the fertile area in the Brazos Valley. Sam and his twin brother were the youngest of ten children. At the age of thirteen, Sam came to Houston to learn a trade. With no high school education, he ran three successful businesses: a shoe shop on Congress Street in the 1950’s and early 60’s, a grocery store on the east side from 1962-1976, and Ricca Boot & Shoe Repair in Tomball from 1977-2000. He retired at sixty-eight. His grandson, Ryan, now runs the shoe shop based on the knowledge that his grandfather passed down to him.

Sam was a devout Catholic; he loved volunteering. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church since its inception in 1977. From that time, he served as usher, Eucharist Minister and Sacristan. He was a participant in Perpetual Adoration. He also helped count money and run the Bingo concession. He was a lifetime member of the Knight of Columbus and became a 4th degree on October 24, 2010. He was also a member of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, where he worked the Friday night fish fries.

Sam was a founding member of the West Houston Italian Club. He made many close friends, with whom he shared many happy times. Sam enjoyed spending time with them, going out to eat, playing cards, and going on bus trips. He also loved working in his vegetable garden and tinkering in the garage.

Sam was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Marie; his daughters, Therese Standley and her husband, Jack, Sandra Ricca and her husband, Steve Christie; his grandchildren, Ryan Selman, Samantha Selman, Wade Standley and his wife Stacy, Cody Standley, Richard Christie, and Erica Christie; and his great grandchildren, Bennet Selman and Eva Christie. He is also survived by his brother, Johnny Ricca, and sister, Janie DeGelia, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a Rosary being recited at 7:00 pm on Friday, December 17, 2010 at Hunters Creek Chapel of Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 11507 Huffmeister Road, Houston, TX 77065. Rite of Committal will follow in the Garden of Gethsemani at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Knights of Columbus, Council 8771, 11507 Huffmeister Road, Houston, TX 77065.