Steven P. Ricciardi

Born on November 11, 1951, Coach Steve was a 1969 graduate of St. Michael's High School in Union City. He served three years in the U.S. Army Combat Engineers, rising to the rank of Sergeant, and was a Vietnam veteran awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

What defined the rest of his life was Hudson County and its youth. He spent 36 years as a volunteer coordinator and coach of the St. Michael's Sports Association, where his motto — Hustle, Pride, Desire — became the standard for generations of players. He officiated basketball for 25 years as a member of IAABO Board 33, coached varsity basketball at Hudson Catholic for eight seasons, and for eight years coordinated the Hudson/Essex High School basketball all-star Game for boys and girls, which awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to student-athletes.

He served as a Trustee of the Dan Finn Classic and as Trustee and Vice President of the Hudson County Basketball Legends Club. His work was recognized with the Dominic Cucciniello Award for Community Service to Youth, the Hudson County Hall of Fame Community Service Award, the Dan Finn Classic Community Service Award to Youth, and many other honors from recreation programs across the county. He never sought a single one of them.

Steve was predeceased by his parents, Adriano and Irene Ricciardi, his sister Adriana Di Iorio and by his brother, Mike Ricciardi.

He is survived by his wife of 53 Years, Ellen; his sons Steve II and his wife Kathy, Benjamin and his wife Anna, and Efrain Rene and his wife Cindy; his siblings Theresa and her husband Kevin, and Augie Ricciardi and his wife Amy; and his grandchildren Dylan, Audrey, Colin, Ethan, and Steve III.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to shp.org/giving, attention: to the basketball or performing arts programs, continuing the work he gave his life to.

Visitation will be held at Leber Funeral Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094, US, on July 22, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at St Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 22 Hackensack Ave, Weehawken Township, NJ 07086, US, on July 23, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.