Cheshire Obituaries: Fr. Robert Ricciardi, St. Bridget's Pastor

The Reverend Robert P. Ricciardi, 67, pastor of St. Bridget's Church, passed away Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Father Ricciardi was born Sept. 5, 1946, in Waterbury the son of the late Paul and Eleanor (Golden) Ricciardi. He attended Sacred Heart High School before graduating from St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield and continued his education at St. Bonaventure University in New York, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1971.

He entered Christ the King Seminary, graduating in 1979. In 1986 he obtained certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Father Ricciardi was ordained by The Most Reverend John F. Whealon, Archbishop of Hartford, on August 10, 1979 in St. Mary Church in Derby. 

Father Ricciardi was a founding director of the Cheshire Community Food Pantry. He enjoyed vacationing and spending time in the sun. Father Bob's great sense of humor and ability to connect with people of all ages enabled him to touch so many lives. His family is most grateful for his presence in their lives and will continue to celebrate his life and honor his memory.

In addition to St. Bridgets, Fr. Ricciardi other assignments included Holy Family Parish in Enfield; St. Francis in New Haven; St. Peter's in Torrington; Our Lady of Peace in East Hartford, St. Rose in East Hartford and Good Shepherd Parish in Seymour.

Father Ricciardi also served as Chaplain of the New Haven Chapter of the Catholic Nurses Association as well as Catholic Chaplain at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Father Ricciardi is survived by his sisters Jean Signori and her husband Peter of Bronxville, NY, Judith Calabrese of Waterbury, and Nancy Wilson of Wolcott; his nieces and nephews Jennifer, Peter, Susan, Beth, Alexis, Sarah, Paul and Adrienne; his great nieces and nephews Trevor, Holly, Noelle, Luca and Alessia.

Father Ricciardi will lie in state on Wednesday, Nov. 20,  from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Bridget's Church, 175 Main St., with a Parish Mass at 6 p.m.

The Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, the Archbishop of Hartford, will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. in St. Bridget's. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Cheshire Food Pantry, P.O. Box 457, Cheshire, CT 06410.

The Alderson Funeral Home, 615 South Main St. is assisting with arrangements.