Ricci, Albert Michael –Of Reading passed away on Monday, May 22^nd at the age of 92 while at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading with family by his side. He was born July 10, 1924 in Roslindale, MA to Joseph and Agnes (Brait) Ricci. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elinor (Cronin) Ricci whom he married on January 4, 1948, six children- Stephen and his wife Marti of Texas, Ronald and his wife LouAnn of Florida, Barbara and her husband William Gourley of Maine, Michael and his wife Kate of New Hampshire, Carolyn Raitt of New Hampshire and John who has shared a special bond with our parents these many years. He has 8 grandchildren- Dawn Marie, Melissa, Michael, Daniel, Paige, Sam, Ron Jr and the late Ian, and 5 great-grandchildren- Brayden, Michael II, Paul, Vincent, and Emilia. He had six siblings and was predeceased by all but his youngest brother Francis Ricci of Peabody as well as many nieces and nephews.

As a young man Al sang in a band. He is a World War II Veteran. He enlisted in the Army in 1943 and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal in 1946. He received the Bronze Star. Al met Elinor while singing and Elinor playing piano at a dance club. For 20 years, Al was a Sales Agent and then Sales Manager for Prudential Insurance Company. He then worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and retired from Met Life after 20 years. He received many awards and was one of the leading agents in the region.

Al was Commander of the DAV in Reading for many years and active in St. Athanasius Church singing in the choir and served as an usher.

Al was a devoted husband and father who had beautiful blue eyes and a smile that said he loved his family, people, life and his 2002 red Ford Thunderbird! Albert was a very kind and gentle man who is greatly missed.

All services will be privately held. Arrangements by the Cota Funeral Home, North Reading. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sawtelle Hospice House, Community Relations Department, VNA of Middlesex East, 607 North Ave. Suite 17, Wakefield, MA 01880.

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