He was the youngest son of Angelo and Albina Ricci, born on August 15, 1932 in Bristol CT. He grew up in Bristol surrounded by two brothers and two sisters, and many close cousins.
Paul attended Bristol High School. After high school, he attended the University of Connecticut and received a B.A. degree in Physics.
Paul joined the US Army in 1954 and completed training at Fort Dix NJ, and Fort Bliss TX. He served active duty specializing in air defense and anti-aircraft artillery until 1956. He received a Good Conduct Metal, and held Army reserve status from 1956 to 1962.
After active duty, Paul attended graduate school at the University of Arizona, in Tucson, graduating with a M.A. degree in Philosophy. He truly enjoyed his time in the deserts of the southwest, and decided that the west coast was the place for him. While at the university, he found that he had a passion for teaching and began a career in academia. He taught at various schools in Pueblo CO, Pasadena CA, and Fullerton CA.
On December 28, 1963 he married the love of his life, Ana Tirado, at the central cathedral in Mazatlan Mexico. She moved to California to spend the rest of her life by his side, and they had two sons together.
In 1966, he accepted a permanent position as professor at Cypress College, teaching philosophy, religion, logic, and critical thinking until retirement in 1993. Even after retirement, he continued to teach a few classes occasionally as a Professor Emeritus.
He was a lover of nature and the outdoors, especially the deserts of the southwest. He loved photography. He loved to play tennis with his friends. He loved to engage in endless debates about politics, philosophy, and religion. He loved to come to barbecues with family. He most loved his family - wife, sons, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his sons Derek Ricci and Carlos Ricci; his sisters Bette Foeller and Cathy Dawidczyk; his sister-in-law Faye Ricci; his brother-in-law George Foeller; his daughter-in-law Doreen Ricci; his granddaughter Jessica Hume; his grandson Joshua Ricci; his grandson-in-law Bryan Hume; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Ana (Tirado) Ricci; his bothers Robert Ricci and Richard Ricci; his sister-in-law Dena Ricci; and his brother-in-law Chet Dawidczyk.
He will be placed alongside his wife at Westminster Memorial Park in Westminster CA. Because of the global coronavirus pandemic, there will be no public service. There will be a private family ceremony to witness and honor the event.
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