Patricia Riccardo

CANFIELD - Patricia Jean Riccardo, 75, passed from this life peacefully at her home on Feb. 25, 2017, surrounded by many members of her loving family.

Patty was born Oct. 29, 1941, in Youngstown, the daughter of Robert and Katherine (Campbell) O'Neill.

Her loving husband, Vincent, preceded her in death in 2012.

Patty was a 1958 graduate of East High School in Youngstown. On Feb. 23, 1963, Patricia married her love, Vincent; soon after they bought a small home and began the story of their life. There is not enough space here to tell that story; however, if you would like to know, ask anyone who spent time with them.

Patty devoted her life to her family. While raising her three sons and daughter, her time was consumed with making sure they were cared for. Early on she lived for Friday, the day she could drop them off with her mother and spend the day in a beauty salon and local stores, but as her children grew she sacrificed even that small luxury to attend their school and sporting events.

She was taught by her parents the importance of family values and in turn imparted that belief on her own children. Her home on Kingston Lane was the most crowded home in the neighborhood on any given day, filled with family and friends who would show up oddly enough around dinnertime for one of her meals. She rarely sat at the dinner table to eat as she was busy serving her family and guests, which was fine by her - she was happiest serving others.

Once she became a grandmother, her home was transformed into a daycare center/beauty spa where the table was usually covered with play-doh, makeup, art supplies, nail polish, costume jewelry, and Legos.

Her homemade pizzelles and cookies (especially the chocolate chip) were legendary and never lasted long, and even inspired a poem written by her grandson, Ricky, in middle school.

In addition to raising their four children, she worked for 10 years as a cashier for the Santisi family in their grocery stores and retired as a life member of UFCW. She was a member of St. Christine Catholic Church.

Patty is survived by her sister, Delores; and brothers Robert (Linda) and Donald O'Neill; sister-in-law and lifetime friend Martha Riccardo; sons Vincent (Colleen), James (Jill) and Stephen; daughter Stephanie (Richard); grandchildren Vincent, Rachel, Ricky, Jenna, Leah, A.J., Nina, and Jace; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

Prayers will be held Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. at St. Christine Church.

Material tributes may take the form of donations to Hospice of the Valley 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.