Joseph "Gene" Ricca

Joseph Eugene “Gene” Ricca passed on December 31, 2013 in South Haven. He was born April 7, 1922 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Parents were Frank Ricca and Olive Meadows. Gene’s family moved to Chicago when Gene was 6 months old. He graduated from Crane High School. Gene attended Armour Inst. Of Tech and left college to enlist in the Air Corp in early 1942.

Gene volunteered for the Army Special Training Program. After earning his wings, he was transferred to St. Louis for advanced training where he met Kathleen Fults, his future wife. During World War 2, he served in Burma with the 6th Gurkha Rifles. Gene and his unit were made honorary members of the Gurkha Rifles Indian Division for rescuing wounded from behind Japanese lines. He was injured and received an honorable medical discharge. He is a life member of the DAV and the American Legion.

After the war, Gene returned to work with Western Electric. He married Kathleen Fults on May 25, 1946 in St. Louis, MO. Their first son Richard was born on November 17, 1947. Gene’s family moved to South Haven where he worked for his father at Frank’s Radiator and Glass Company selling home improvement products, designing store fronts and home remodeling. Kathy gave birth to Ronald, December 20, 1950, Mary, November 11, 1951, Barbara, January 18, 1959, and Joseph, September 21, 1961. Gene was the president of the company for many years and sold his business to become general manager of Pierce Chemical Company SH Branch, designing and manufacturing scientific apparatus. He retired from Piece in 2000 at the age of 78.

Gene was a two-way starter on the undefeated Crane High football team and played semi-pro football. He enjoyed golf and all sports while coaching his children. He was active in many community affairs including being a Charter member and president of the South Haven Jaycees, chaired the Freedom Forum Foundation project, a Chairman of South Haven Urban Renewal project, President of South Haven Retail Council Planning Commission, Charter president of the South Haven Rotary Club, Chaired President of South Haven Jr. Baseball Association with Tony Canonie Sr. and Dale Patterson, and Chaired the construction of the four baseball diamonds at LC Mohr. He was an active member at St. Basil’s church and chaired the school extension. He served on the Lansing Diocesan Vatican II Executive Council.

Gene is survived by his wife Kathy and children, Rick, Ron, Barb and Joe, 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by daughter Mary Wilson and grandchild Bradley Wilson. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the St. Basil Catholic School or the Wounded Warriors Project.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at St. Basils Catholic Church.