He was preceded in death by his parents Vitina Di Chiara and Armando “Bibbs” Pelliccioni, grandparents Karen and Nazerine Pelliccioni, brother Robert Pelliccioni, and sister Karen Pelliccioni.
Richie was born in Manhattan on January 4, 1947. A lifelong Brooklyn resident, he graduated from Lafayette High School in 1965 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1967. He was deployed to Vietnam and, subsequently, to Anchorage, Alaska where he was stationed at a mountain, which protected the mainland U.S.
He married former wife, Phyllis Ann Fede, on September 7, 1975, with whom he remained close until the time of his passing.
Richie was a loving father to his only child, Kristina Jennifer Pelliccioni. She was the closest person to him and was with him at the end of his life.
In the 1980s, Richie was employed at the Commodity Exchange (COMEX) in Manhattan, located in the World Trade Center, where he was a clerk. He was later promoted and worked for Sabin Commodities as a commodity broker. During his professional tenure, he was featured in the movie “Trading Places,” which was filmed on the floor of the COMEX.
Richie opened his own contracting firm,“Twice as Nice Home Improvement," which was still operational at the time of his death. He was also a former member of The New York City District Council of Carpenters.
An avid softball player and bowler, Richie earned nine “300 Game” rings in bowling leagues at both Maple Lanes in Brooklyn and RAB Lanes in Staten Island.
Richie was a beloved uncle to Denice and Eddie Caroselli, Vickie and Steve Serrentino, Gina and Phillip Cocchiara, Robert Pelliccioni, and Lauren and Brian Thomson; a great-uncle to their children, who adored him; a godfather to Denice Caroselli, Gina Cocchiara, Angelo Cocchiara, Marilyn Nolan, and Arianne Elshawarby; and a brother-in-law to Mrs. Terri Pelliccioni (Florida), Patricia Vlassenko Jacilla, and Michael Vlassenko.
Throughout his life, Richie was surrounded by his “Band of Brothers” and greatest friends: Joey P., Philly I., Mikey S., Nicky M., Nicky D., Vinnie, and Paulie, as well as his best friend Joanie, and second family of Wanda and Steve Bartalotta.
Richie had been in a long-term, committed relationship with his love, Delores Keith of North Carolina.
Delores was with him until the end. From the moment he saw her, it was love at first sight. She was his ultimate partner in life, and on the dance floor.
He had previously spent a happy 20 years with his former girlfriend, Jean Grable of Toms River, NJ.
Richie was a passionate New York Yankees fan and collected various memorabilia of his all-time favorite player: #7, Mickey Mantle. His childhood dream came true when he met the famed baseball player while refurbishing Mantle's bar, previously located in Manhattan.
He was known for his quick wit, hearty laughter, and love of puns, and enjoyed making others laugh. He loved doo-wop and disco music, especially The Drifters, and was a terrific dancer.
Richie was a dedicated and amazing father to his daughter and best friend, Kristina Jennifer, whom he often referred to as the "love of my life." Their father-daughter bond remains unbreakable even after his passing. He will forever be her hero, in every way that matters.
His smile was infectious, his spirit was bright, and his love for all of his family was unconditional. Those who were lucky enough to know Richie, loved him, and those he'd only just met would quickly grow to love him.
We were all so lucky to have him in our lives. Richie will be painfully missed but fondly remembered.
A visitation for Richard will be held Friday, August 19, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308. A funeral service will occur Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 9:45 AM at St Clare's Church, 110 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308. A committal service will occur Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11:15 AM at Greenwood Cemetery, 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.3