Southington citizen, Ruth Riccio, remembered

Ruth Riccio, who died this past March at the age of 76, was honored last month by the surviving members of her Southington H.S. Class of 1957 with a plaque presented and placed on the wall of the Riccio Building at 1 N. Main Street.  “Ruth Riccio was one of the last of her generation of one of the stalwart families in Southington,” said classmate Priscilla ‘Patty’ Dunn.  “Ruth was always ready to take on the task of organizing our annual reunions.” said Anthony ‘Tosh’ Tarfano who spoke at the dedication.  

“My mother was always willing and ready to take on a task that was for the betterment of the community,” said her son, Michael.  Elder parishioners of St. Dominic Church noted that the Riccio family was deeply committed to many fund raisers that enabled Fr. Walter F. Geraghty to build a parish hall and, a ultimately their church nearly 35 years ago.  

“Friends remember Ruth’s service on the Senior Citizen Commission and Library Board and many more activities where she could be of help.” Classmate Joni Theriault said.  Michael Riccio thanked the class for the wonderful  tribute to their mother.

Members of Southington Class of 1957 present: Irene Shoman, Joni Theriault, Beatrice Porter, Anthony ‘Tosh’ Tarfano,  Doria Palmieri, Priscilla ‘Patty’ Dunn, Louise Carbone and Ulla Gibbs.

Riccio Family at dedication:  Front row: Madelyn Bergin, Zachary Bergin and Lucy Bergin.

Middle row: Braden Kowalik (orange shirt), Francesca Riccio and Livia Bergin. Back row: Mike Riccio, Lucca Riccio, Danielle Kowalik, Tina Riccio (Mrs. Mike), Ruth Bergin and Ralph Riccio.