The Ricciardi Party has lost its Matriarch.
Marcella “Marcy” Ricciardi, of Kenosha WI, died peacefully in her sleep on May 10, 2025. She was 92 years old. Marcy was born on June 7, 1932, in Iron River, MI, to York Powell and Rhoda (Davidson) Powell. She spent her early childhood in Alvin, WI and Iron River, moving to Racine, and then to Kenosha in her teenage years. She graduated from Kenosha High School.
Marcy married her Love, Carlo Ricciardi, on October 27, 1951. Carlo and Marcy had been happily married for 73 years at the time of her passing. Together, Marcy and Carlo were quite fruitful and loved to “multiply,” having seven children, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. Marcy cherished her time spent with the mass of humanity she and Carlo created.
When her seven children were old enough to fend for themselves, Marcy worked as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside facilities plant. Later, she transferred to the English Department, remaining in that position until she retired.
In the little spare time Marcy had, she enjoyed gardening, knitting, sewing, and golfing with the Bristol Bunnies league at Bristol Oaks Country Club. She was an avid reader and enjoyed word games. Rarely could Marcy be bested in a game of Scrabble. She enjoyed playing bridge weekly with her much-loved Bridge Club. For decades, she and Carlo had great fun traveling with their travel group of friends.
Marcy is survived by her husband, Carlo; children, Carla Resch, Ada (Dan) Wells, Lisa Ricciardi, Joseph (Calla) Ricciardi, Tina (Stephen) DeStefano, Rhoda (Luellen) Ricciardi, and Richard (Beth) Ricciardi; 15 grandchildren, Jacob, Daniel, Andrew, April, Autumn, Adam, Carlo, Amy, Anthony, Nicole, Stephanie, Joshua, Rhiannon, Keelin, and Cale; “the grandchildren that made her great,” Marcella “Ella”, Benjamin, Julia, Clara, Mekhi, Francesca, Harper, Riley, Nora, Jack, Elizabeth, and Michael; many beloved nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.
Marcy was preceded in death by her parents, York and Rhoda Powell; her parents-in-law, Giuseppe and Ada Ricciardi (who loved her as their own); her sisters, Bettye Dahl and Vera Hauck; her sisters-in-law, Bernarda “Bernie” Marini and Francesca “Franny” Smithana; her nieces, Jean Cain, Renee Karwowski and Jill Hauck; and her grandchildren Sarah DeStefano and Christopher Misurelli. Marcy’s and Carlo’s dearest friends, Margaret and Ralph Tenuta, also predeceased her.
The Ricciardi Family extends its sincerest thanks to the wonderful staff at Library Terrace Apartments and Suites for the kindness and loving care provided to Marcy.
Visitation will be held at Proko Funeral Home on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4:00 until the time of service at 6:00 p.m. A private burial with only immediate family will be held at St. George Cemetery the next day. Marcy, the Best Mom Ever, abhorred being fussed over so dressing casually and comfortably for her funeral would be consistent with her wishes.
For those wishing to do so in honor of Marcy, donations can be made to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii Catholic Church at 2224 45th Street, Kenosha WI 53140, or to Hospice Alliance at 10220 Prairie Ridge Boulevard, Pleasant Prairie WI, 53158. www.hospicealliance.org
To live stream the service, click on the link below or copy and paste it into your webbrowser https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0NzMxODI1MTM2MjczMyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
