Lawrence Richard Ricci, 87, of South Dennis, MA, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of his family on Thursday, November 9, 2023. He was the devoted husband of Mary Lou Ricci (née LaVallie), with whom he shared an extraordinary love and special union for 62 years.
Born in Wilbraham, MA on May 31, 1936, he was the son of the late Tancredi and Irma Ricci (née Belli) and brother of the late Valentino Ricci of Wilbraham, MA. In his youth, Lawrence attended and graduated high school from Wilbraham Academy where his love of education began. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in business administration from American International College, a master’s in education from Westfield State College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education from the University of Connecticut.
Larry was a dedicated elementary and middle school teacher and, later, principal in the Palmer (MA) Public Schools. Over his 37-year career, he promoted an environment where his students understood that the classroom was for learning and injected his enthusiasm to pique his student’s curiosity and keep their attention. Before his retirement in 1999, he became the first principal of his beloved Old Mill Pond School which opened to 600 students from Pre-K to Grade 5 in 1991. He cared about his students and colleagues deeply, and treasured the many friends he made along the way by holding fond memories of them in his heart.
While he often playfully quoted the words of George Bernard Shaw, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach,” the truth is that Larry was meant to impart the gift of a strong academic foundation and some of the lessons that help us lead fulfilling and productive lives. Of course, to his four children, he shared these lessons and so much more because as an adoring father, fierce advocate and exemplary role model, he was also their rock and biggest fan.
In retirement, Larry cherished life on Cape Cod where he had the opportunity to work on the landscaping crew at Cummaquid Golf Club. He especially enjoyed getting to know the college kids that worked alongside him for a few months every summer. Over their 21 years on the Cape, Larry and Mary Lou adored their home, working in their yard and shared their love of fine dining, travel, memories made with old and new friends, and summer days spent with their children and grandchildren on the beautiful beaches of Dennis.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived and will be sorely missed by his son Lawrence Ricci, Jr. of South Dennis, MA; his daughter Lori Kolensky and her husband Rich of Suffield, CT; his son Gary Ricci and his wife Jane of Brimfield, MA; his daughter Nicole Stonehouse and her husband Jerry of Cohasset, MA; and his 6 grandchildren: Mathieu Kolensky and wife Kayla; Michael Kolensky; Vanessa and Alyssa Ricci; Jackson and Callahan Stonehouse.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, December 1 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 729 Rt. 134 in South Dennis followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon at St. Pius X Church in South Yarmouth. Following services, family and friends are invited for lunch at a local restaurant to celebrate Larry’s amazing life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Palmer Public Library, 1455 North Main St., Palmer, MA or Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.doanebealamesdennis.com
