ANTHONY RICCI

93, of Johnston, passed away peacefully, on December 17, 2011 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Inpatient Center, Providence. Born in Johnston, he was a son of the late Marcellino and Antonetta (Travelyn) Ricci. He spoke often and affectionately of his parents and of his enormous circle of friends and devoted his life to public service.

Mr. Ricci was inducted into the Army in April 1942, doing basic training in Fort McClellan, Alabama, and later assigned as librarian at Jackson Barracks, New Orleans. Transferred in 1943 and served with the Transportation Corps in London, England during buzz bombs and air raids (V1 & V2). Attended the Adjutant General School in Fort Washington, Maryland and later transferred to Paris, France shortly after D-Day where he was discharged in December 1945 and fulfilled his dreams as Chief Historian at the Office of the Theatre of Transportation in Frankfort, Germany. After extensive research in both Germany and Italy he was transferred to the Office of Provost Marshal in Commando Building, Frankfort until his retirement from serving his country in August 1947. In July 1952, Mr. Ricci was highly recommended to the first teacher principal position at Radio Marina School in Asmara, Eritrea, East Africa. During a school vacation he was a guest of Emperor Haile Selassie to set-up an American speaking school in Addis, Ethiopia. He continued graduate work sponsored by the University of Maryland in Asmara in 1952-1953. The following two years was assigned with the American Dependents' Schools in Chatellerault, Ingrandes and Fontainebleau-Avon School in France.

In 1961, Mr. Ricci became principal of the first High School in Johnston, now known as the Ferri Middle School. During the summer of 1965, he attended the Summer Institute on Asian Studies at the University of Hawaii. Again during the summer of 1973, he toured Europe as a member of an overseas educational program in Environmental Studies (Ecology) through the Universities of Pittsburgh and San Jose, doing extensive studies in England, Germany and Greece. In 1976 he attended European Charrette, a summer program in Amsterdam sponsored by the University of Colorado. After 18 years and working with an impartial and impeccable staff. Mr. Ricci retired as Principal from the Graniteville Elementary School in 1981.

He was the brother-in-law of Palma Ricci of Cranston and brother of the late Angela, Charles, and Edmund Ricci and Dorothy Ullucci-Gonnoud.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Rocco's Church, Johnston, followed by interment with military honors at St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Rocco's Church, 927 Atwood Ave., Johnston, RI 02919.