Dorothy “Dottie” Rose Riccio, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, beloved aunt and friend passed away on December 5, 2019 at the age of 96. Dorothy would always light up the room with her warm smile and enthusiastic energy. She was a tireless giver of herself and could always be counted on to inspire and remind all around her of the importance of family.
Dorothy was born at home on January 30, 1923 in Malden, Massachusetts to Onofrio and Jennie (Cincotta) Vasquez who had both emigrated from Italy. As a youngster, Dorothy enjoyed dancing and performing. She learned the skill of dressmaking from her mother who was a seamstress by trade and left school after tenth grade to help out her family of ten with the household chores.
She met the love of her life, Edward, during World War Two and they were married in 1947. It was a life together that lasted forty years until Edward’s passing. He had been stationed in San Diego during the war and told Dottie that he was going to bring her to “God’s Country” in California where they would spend the rest of their lives and raise their family.
Dorothy had many interests which most often centered on family. She had developed an extraordinary talent for cooking. Her Italian dishes and baking were always the hit of any gathering. She enjoyed so many activities which included attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, socializing, dancing, and listening to music, playing bingo, bunco, bridge and pinochle. She was an avid Padres fan and usually had a radio nearby to listen to the games.
The Italian Catholic Federation was an important part of her life and she was elected to Treasurer by her branch. She attended church regularly and served as a Eucharistic Minister for Sunday mass. In her later years, Dottie enjoyed jigsaw puzzles painting and watching videos of The Lawrence Welk show. She especially found pleasure in re-watching the beautiful video tribute made for her 90th birthday celebration.
Dorothy is survived by her children and their spouses, Gerard Riccio and Pamela, Joanne Ambler and Dale, and Donna Paredes and Richard; her grandchildren Michael Riccio, Annette Riccio, Amy Duty, Deron Ambler, Ginny Panzella, Michael Paredes, and Kenneth Paredes; and great-grandchildren Kelli Riccio, Jordan Riccio, Anthony Riccio, Alexander Riccio, Giovanni Riccio, Milo Riccio, Alyssa Paredes, Michael Paredes, Isabella Paredes, Ezekiel Paredes, Timothy Paredes, Ella Paredes, Lillian Duty and Leigh Duty.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to Alzheimer’s San Diego, 6632 Convoy Ct, San Diego, CA 92111, (858) 492-4400 https://alzsandiego.z2systems.com/np/clients/alzsandiego/donation.jsp?campaign=86&
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.goodbodymortuary.com for the Riccio family.
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