Elmer C. Ricchio Jr.

Elmer Charles Ricchio Jr., age 80, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2015 at Hospice Alliance after courageous battles with multiple cancers.

Elmer was born June 22, 1935 in Racine, to Elmer and Claire (nee: Mazzulla) Ricchio Sr. He attended Holy Name Catholic School and graduated from St. Catherine's High School, class of 1954. Elmer proudly served our country in the US Army during the Korean War from 1954 - 1956.

On October 26, 1957 he was united in marriage to Shirley Mae (nee: Johnson) at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Racine. They celebrated over 57 years of marriage together and were blessed with five children.

Elmer was a meat cutter by trade for over 43 years and retired from Piggly Wiggly in June 1997 as the meat department manager.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and St. Lucy's Catholic Church. Elmer was involved with the Masonic Lodge Belle City #18; Scottish Rite-Valley of Milwaukee; Tripoli Shrine and Racine German Club.

Elmer will be remembered by his loving wife, Shirley; beloved children Gino (Gloria) Ricchio, Charles (Barbara) Ricchio; Theresa Michaelis; Anthony (Juli) Ricchio and Christa Ricchio. Cherished grandchildren, Anthony (Gwen) Ricchio; Carmen Ricchio; Amanda Ricchio; Charles Ricchio II; Ehren(Megan) Michaelis, Heidi (Ron) Auch Jr.; Hans Michaelis(Katelyn Piirto); Jakob Michaelis; Christian Michaelis; Gino Ricchio; Dominic Ricchio; Tia Ricchio; Vincent Lofquist; Nels Lofquist; Savannah Lofquist; Matt Dodd and Tricia Dodd. His eight great- grandchildren: Jackson, Archer, Lila, Sofia, Ronnie, Avery; Lincoln and Brandy. His sister Nancy Jarosz. His brother-in-law Larry (Helen) Johnson; sister-in-laws Joanne (Steve) Greger; Christine (Rollie) Hamilton and Judy (Steve) Jones. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive him. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his grandson Adam Ricchio; his mother- in-law and father-in-law Christ and Florence Johnson ; brother-in-law Frank Jarosz; uncles Frank Mazzulla and James(Ann) Mazzulla and aunt Dorothy (Earl) Stieg.

A Mass of Christian Burial and visitation for Elmer will be held on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 7:00 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1100 Erie Street, Racine, WI with Father Antony Primal Thomas officiating. Visitation with the family at the church from 4:00 - 7:00 PM . In lieu of flowers, memorial s to the family.

Private entombment will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated and caring staff at Hospice Alliance in Pleasant Prairie, WI in the care of Elmer.