Obituary of Franca Siconolfi Ricciardi

On a quiet Saturday morning, April 8th, 2023, the world lost a bright light as Franca Siconolfi Ricciardi peacefully passed away at the age of 95. She left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and the unforgettable taste of her delicious Italian cooking.

Franca was born on October 25th, 1927, in the picturesque town of Carife, (AV), Italy. She married Domenico Ricciardi in 1952 and started their family in Sturno, Italy. As a seamstress, she had a thriving sweater and wool factory in town and would make custom clothing and accessories. In 1966, she immigrated to the United States with her children, making a new home in Brooklyn, NY, and later, Glen Cove, NY. In Brooklyn and Glen Cove, Franca continued to work as a seamstress for many years.

Her beloved Domenico passed away in 1972. Franca kept the family together with the help of her children and owned Teresa’s Restaurant in Glen Cove and then, Enrico’s in Westbury while continuing to work as a seamstress. Franca quickly became a pillar of her community, known for her unwavering faith, exceptional cooking skills, and welcoming home. She was a member of The Rosary Society at St Rocco’s Church and had served as treasurer. She always participated in church feasts by preparing food for 100’s.

In her bustling kitchen, the savory aromas of lasagna, stuffed peppers, and chicken cutlets always filled the air. But it was her homemade cookies that truly stole the hearts of all who tasted them. Franca's love and talent for gardening provided the freshest ingredients, which she generously prepared and shared with her family and friends every Sunday.

As a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Franca cherished her family above all else. She took immense pride in their accomplishments and relished every moment spent with them. Her passing leaves an enormous void in the hearts of her children: Filomena (Gordon) Ricciardi-Aston of Torrington, CT, Giuseppe (Sharon) Ricciardi of Fairfax, VA, Michael (Marie) Ricciardi of Clifton, VA, and Lino Ricciardi of Centreville, VA; grandchildren Daniela (Francesco) Anastasio-Bardazzi, Carla (Gus) Anastasio, Gabriela (Will) Anastasio-Halloway, Diana (Mark) Ricciardi, Nicole Ricciardi, Michele (Alex) Abrahamian, Domenic Ricciardi, and Francesco Ricciardi; great-grandchildren Niccolo, Teo, Maya, Owen, Jackson, and Fiona. She also leaves behind her sister Raffielina Pannone and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Franca's memory will forever live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. A mass will be held on
Saturday, April 15th, at 8:30 a.m. at St. Rocco's Roman Catholic Church in Glen Cove, New York. Interment will be immediately following, at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, New York, where Franca will be reunited with her beloved late husband, Domenico Ricciardi.
Franca, your legacy of love, resilience, and mouth-watering cooking will continue to inspire and comfort us all. Your absence is deeply felt but we take solace in knowing that you are at peace and reunited with your love. Riposa in pace, Franca.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Franca's memory to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital St. Jude Childrens Hospital

OR

the Rosary Society at St. Rocco's Roman Catholic Church, Glen Cove (516-676-2482)