A Tribute to Carmelo Giovanni Ricciardelli 8-3-1922 - 12-4-2022

Carmelo Giovanni Ricciardelli (Papa)

Papa Carmelo Ricciardelli was called “Papa” by both family and friends alike. He was “Papa” to his community and an adopted “Papa” to many who had lost their earthly fathers. When he turned 100 earlier this year, our family patriarch became a rare centenarian.

Papa was born August 3rd, 1922, in New Haven, Connecticut to Emilio and Erminia (Marchesano) Ricciardelli. Papa was their first born of 4 children.

Papa was a very rambunctious and curious young man, always generous to those he knew. He once got in trouble when he took money from the cookie jar and bought ice cream cones for several of his friends. Another time, he skipped school to watch the car races, and went to bed without dinner that night.

Papa loved the Lord with all of his heart, even from a very early age. At the age of 10, his father asked if he wanted to become a priest or pursue another career. He decided to do what he felt was the most honorable and chose to serve the Lord as a career path by going into the Catholic seminary in Teggiano, Italy. It is hard to imagine a 10-year-old deciding to be away from family for 11 months of the year, but this was the type of faith Papa had. At age 19, he left the seminary, feeling he was no longer called to the priesthood. Now that he was very well educated, he was offered several opportunities in Rome, including selling insurance, and working as a security guard.

After a few years in Rome, he decided that he wanted to go back to the United States. He had dual citizenship and yet when he came back in 1947, his cousins could not find his paperwork and so he had to remain on Ellis Island for a few days.

He then decided to join the US Army to serve his country. He thought he would both serve and finish his education. He trained at West Point Academy and then was told he would be transferred to Washington, assuming Washington DC. He did not expect to be sent across the country to Fort Lewis, WA. His education plans were soon put on hold when he was sent to serve his country in the Korean War, where he would lose some of his hearing. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1953 after serving 5 years.

Papa finished his education, graduating from Seattle University in 1954 with a B.A. Degree in education and literature. He became an English teacher at Franklin High School in Seattle for a short time until a friend told him he could make more money working for a small airplane company called Boeing. Papa worked for Boeing for more than 30 years, retiring in 1987 at the age of 65.

Seattle became his new home, and he was involved with many Italian friends in the south Seattle area, the area called “Garlic Gulch,” where many Italians raised their families. He met one friend, Vince Mottola, who started a pizzeria in the Rainier Beach area called Vince’s Italian Restaurant in 1957. The following year a friend mentioned to him that he should call Vince’s sister Angela, described as “a beautiful Neapolitan woman”, and that she was a widow with 4 young children. He called her and set up a time to meet. He said that when she opened the door, it was love at first sight. He married her a few months later and they had 3 children together. They raised all 7 in a household of abundant faith, hope, and love. They moved from Seattle to Bellevue in 1966 and became a part of St. Louise Parish.

Papa often worked other jobs beyond Boeing that included driving a taxi and working for the census bureau. Mama babysat kids during the day and after school, including some of her grandchildren. Sadly, Mama passed away to glory Oct. 27, 2000, at the age of 73. Papa says he found his strength in the “Will of God.”

In 2012, at the age of 90, Papa decided it was time to move into an assisted living facility. Sunrise Senior Living, a new community to embrace, and a community that welcomed him in return. Papa enjoyed sports and watched them regularly on TV with his kids and grandkids, and as much as we were able, we would take him to live sporting events.

Papa had his 100th birthday celebration in 2022. It was spectacular, as family and friends celebrated Papa and the rarity of being a centenarian.

He is survived by daughters: Pat Salvino, Jeannette Ball, Debbie Thor, and Angel Grimm, and sons: Michael Brewer, Robert Ricciardelli, and Tom Ricciardelli. Brother: Raffaele Ricciardelli

21 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

We praise God for you, Papa! We love you and will miss you, until we are reunited with you in heaven.

Please see complete obituary of our Papa here: www.flintofts.com