RICCI, Elio Eugenio Ricci – Obituary

RICCI, Elio Eugenio –   January 22, 1925 – September 26, 2015

With great sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Elio E. Ricci on September 26, 2015 at the Hamilton General Hospital.

Elio is survived by his wife Margaret and three sons Joe, Chris and Brian; daughters-in-law Ruth, Debbie and Diane, as well as his greatest treasure – his grandchildren.

The ultimate Nonno to David (Julia), Paul, Anne, Michael, Melissa and Steven.

He was a good brother to Eva, as well as an ideal uncle and godfather to over 5 generations of children. Born in Hamilton to Italian immigrants (Giacomo Ricci and Gina Rocchi) during the depression, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Hamilton and Father Mascari played a significant role in young Elio’s life. He was among the first generation encouraged to excel academically. Elio was part of that first phalanx of doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers and educated men and women in this community.

A graduate of Cathedral Boys’ High School and later the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine in 1951, Elio interned at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and started a family practice in Hamilton in 1952. He was on Active Staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Hamilton Civic Hospitals. Before the implementation of OHIP in 1965 he often provided free healthcare and medication to his largely immigrant patient base.

For his young patients, Dr. Elio Ricci believed that education was just as important as their health and insisted on examining their report cards every year. He never admonished, only encouraged them to do better. Elio was a lifelong learner. He was well read and enjoyed discussions on substantive topics.

He was also a constant advocate for his older patients, continuing to provide house calls well into his 80s. He retired at the age of 87 and missed working for his patients dearly. An avid skier, Elio continued to carve the slopes with enthusiasm until the age of 85.

A gentle man who kept his friends and family close his entire life and never spoke ill of anyone – Elio will be sadly missed.

The funeral mass was celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church on Tuesday, September 29th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Sons of Italy.

TorontoObituaries.com

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