Robert “Bob” A. Ricciardi, 98, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2021, at West Hartford Health and Rehab Center in West Hartford, CT. Although Bob spent the last few years in West Hartford, he lived most of his life in Massachusetts. Bob was born in Southbridge, MA., the son of an Italian immigrant. He spent his youth between the family home in Boston and his grandfather's farm in Southbridge. Bob moved to Peabody, MA when he married the love of his life, Marilyn Falkingham, in 1950. They were together 67 years, until Marilyn's passing in 2017.

Bob was a very proud veteran of World War II. He served as a sergeant in the 20th Armored Division of the U.S. Army. During his three-year tour, he was stationed in camps in the United States and Europe. He attended Clemson University while he was in the army. After his discharge in 1947, he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration at Boston University. Bob went on to work as an accountant, and later a contracts administrator, at the General Electric River Works in Lynn, MA. He retired from GE after 39 years to spend time with his wife and family.

Bob was a hobby shopper, always looking for a bargain. He loved the warehouse stores and discount grocery stores. He loved to watch movies, particularly westerns, war stories and police dramas. He babied his cars. Every car he ever owned was well taken care of and immaculate. Bob had a passionate love/hate relationship with the Boston sports teams. He would debate sports, especially the Red Sox, with his brother for hours. After his retirement, he loved taking long walks in the cemetery next to his neighborhood.

Bob was predeceased by his bride Marilyn. He leaves their three daughters and two granddaughters: Cheryl Ricciardi and her daughter Kristina, Cynthia (Ricciardi) Welch, her husband Mark and their daughter Hayley, and Marilyn Ricciardi and her husband Ken Shirey. In addition to his children, he was very special to Cynthia’s stepdaughters Amanda, Elizabeth, and Cathryn and their families. Bob will also be missed by his brother Gerald Ricciardi and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on June 4, 2021, at noon at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 467 Quaker Lane South in West Hartford, CT 06110. A Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from 10:00 to 11:15 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home 82 Lynn St, Peabody facility with a Committal Service and Military tribute at the family lot in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody at 11:30 AM.