Carlo Robert Ricciardi

The Ricciardi Party has lost its patriarch and co-founder, and our hearts are heavy.

Carlo Robert Ricciardi died on October 5th, 2026.

He was 95 years old. Carlo was born on April 10, 1931, in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Guiseppe and Ada (Angelini) Ricciardi.

Carlo was a proud lifelong resident of Kenosha. He attended Bain Elementary, Washington Junior High School, and Kenosha High School. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1953 with degrees in political science and economics.

On October 27, 1951, Carlo married his high school sweetheart, Marcella (Marcy) Powell. They were happily married for 73 years, until Marcy passed away on May 10, 2025. During that time they welcomed 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren—with the newest great-grandchild expected to arrive in December. Throughout their life together, Carlo and Marcy delighted in the ever-growing “Ricciardi Party,” cherishing the family that blossomed from their love.

Carlo had a successful career with the Social Security Administration, beginning in 1954 as a Claims Representative. Over the course of his 35-year career, Carlo advanced through the agency and ultimately retired in 1989 as District Manager of both the Kenosha and Racine offices. During his tenure, he played an important role in overseeing the rollout of Medicare throughout the Kenosha-Racine area.

Golf was Carlo’s favorite pastime. For years, weather permitting, he could be found every Saturday and Sunday morning hitting the links at Petrifying Springs or Brighton Dale. He was a loyal Wisconsin Badger fan (of course) as well as a fan of the Bears and the Cubs. Our dad waited most of his life for the Cubs to win a World Series, and they did not disappoint when they won the Pennant in 2016.

Carlo and Marcy made wonderful memories during annual summer vacations with their ever-expanding family. They had a memorable trip to Italy that included meeting the Italian contingent of the Ricciardi Party in the town of Piano, from which Carlo’s father had emigrated. During retirement they became snowbirds, spending winters in Las Vegas, San Diego, and Sarasota.It must also be noted that Carlo and Marcy never met a casino that they didn’t thoroughly enjoy.

Carlo is survived by his children, Carla Resch, Son-in-law Dan Wells, Lisa Ricciardi, Joseph (Calla) Ricciardi, Tina (Stephen) DeStefano, Rhoda (Luellen) Ricciardi, and Richard (Beth) Ricciardi; 15 grandchildren, Jacob, Daniel, Andrew, April (Alex), Autumn (Michael), Adam, Carlo (Emily), Amy (Andy), Tony (Brittany), Nicole (Jeff), Stephanie, Joshua (Annie), Rhiannon (Andy), Keelin, and Cale; “the greatest great-grandchildren”, Marcella “Ella”, Benjamin, Julia, Clara, Mekhi, Francesca “Cesca”, Harper, Riley, Nora, Jack, Elizabeth, Michael; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Carlo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marcy; his daughter, Ada; his parents, Giuseppe and Ada Ricciardi; his grandchildren Sarah DeStefano and Christopher Misurelli; his sisters, Bernarda “Bernie” Marini and Francesca “Franny” Smithana; his sisters-in-law, Bettye Dahl and Vera Hauck; his nieces, Jean Cain, Renee Karwowski and Jill Hauck; and his nephew, William Smithana. Carlo and Marcy’s dearest friends, Margaret and Ralph Tenuta also predeceased him.

The Ricciardi Family extends its sincerest thanks to the wonderful staff at Library Terrace Apartments and Suites for the kind and loving care provided to our beloved parents.

Visitation will be held at Proko Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 13 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of a service at 6:00 p.m. A private burial for immediate family only will take place at St. George Cemetery on Wednesday.

Memorial contributions in Carlo’s honor may be made to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii Catholic Church, 2224 45th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140, or to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Boulevard, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 (www.hospicealliance.org).