On January 17th, 2022, our angel, Patricia, received clearance for takeoff to be nestled in the gentle palm of her Lord. Patricia passed away at home peacefully with her family by her side. Patricia Margaret Riccio, age 89, born Patricia Margaret Tully on February 29, 1932 in Poughkeepsie, NY to John Tully and Ellen Walton Tully, was one of seven siblings. She moved to Riverdale, NY, after marrying her husband, Richard, where she raised eight beautiful children. In 1975, Patricia and her family moved to Palm Springs and established roots in the desert. Along with her husband and brother-in-law, Anthony (Sonny)Riccio, they opened Riccio's restaurant in 1979. A devout Catholic, she attended church regularly at Our Lady of Solitude Church and helped lead Sunday mass asa Eucharistic Minister and lector. She was an avid reader—especially murder mysteries, a cinephile, and the sudoku queen. Later in life, she became a passionate traveler; her favorite trip was to Israel, the Holy Land. A mother to eight, grandmother to 15, and a great-grandmother to 2, her memories will carry on in each of us. While she's not here physically, she will be with us always. Much like her husband, Richard, and son, Bobby (Robert), are with us. She's among the angels and her other family and friends now. She is survived by her children, Richard (Linda) Riccio, Thomas Riccio, Rosemary (David) Riccio-Hunter, Daniel (Roseann) Riccio, Anthony (Elena) Riccio, Tisha (Patrick) Rawlings, and Geraldine (Trevor) Neighbors. Patricia was a living angel on earth and never played favorites. If asked, she would tell everyone that she loved them equally and all for different reasons. Everyone was the love of her life, and she was the love of theirs. We'll remember and be inspired by her amazing life as a gentle, kind, and loving shepherd to all of her flock. We can hope to carry on and walk the righteous path that she so effortlessly paved: with love, grace, wisdom, and a whole lotta faith. We'll stop and smell the roses, be kind to each other, embrace people without judgement, and K.I.S.S(Keep It Simple, Stupid). Patricia's cup runneth over and no matter how many drank it was always full. She lives on in each of us. Those whose lives she's touched will remember her sage wisdom always. Patricia, we just want to say thank you for all that you have done for each and every one of us. Until we meet again at the pearly gates, know we love you: always have, always will. A funeral mass will be held on February 2, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Solitude Church in Palm Springs. For those who cannot attend the services in person, the service will also be streamed via Zoom (contact the family for the link). In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Our Lady of Solitude Church, 151 W. Alejo Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92262 or The Parkinson's Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/).
