Giovanna JoJo Ricci Obituary (1935 - 2015)

PORTLAND - Giovanna JoJo Ricci, 79, of Walton Street, passed away on July 12, 2015 at New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland after a long illness. She was born in Portland on October 2, 1935 the daughter of the late Luigi and Theresa Atripaldi Ricci. She was a graduate of Portland High School, Class of 1953. She grew up in the Little Italy section of Portland and was a lifelong member of Saint Peters Roman Catholic Church, and a member of the Sacred Heart Sodality. JoJo took a great deal of pride in her Italian Heritage. As a child and as young adult she worked in the family store, Commercial Fruit on India Street. Later in her career she became a Patient Account Representative at the former Osteopathic Hospital of Maine, where she retired after 20 years. JoJo was a lifelong member of the Italian Heritage Center, where she, along with her sister and two friends revived the Columbus Day Parade. She was also instrumental in jump starting Saint Peters Church Variety shows held at Guild and Frye Hall in Portland. Jo had a love for children and was a nanny for a number of families. These children, now young adults, hold her in high regard. She also was proud of her accomplishments with the Harmony Runners. The runners from multiple countries, ran worldwide to call attention to peace and harmony in the world. As a result of her work with the runners, she was awarded a gold medal, which was presented to her at a reception at the United Nations. She is predeceased by her sister, Theresa J. Ciampi. JoJo is survived by her sisters, Sister Maria Ricci, RSM, Lucy Sesto and Louise Delaney and her husband Joseph; Also survived by Gerald Ricci; aunt, Frances Colello; several cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her great grand nieces, Stella, Greta Sadie. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 4-7PM at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland. Burial will be private. To view JoJos memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.