Anthony J. Ricci

Anthony J. Ricci, 79, of Warwick, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Kent Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Elaine M. (Bonsante) Ricci for 48 years. 

Born in Providence, he was the son the of Irma D. (Fallat) Ricci and the late Vincent A. Ricci.

Anthony married the love of his life Elaine in 1965 at the age of 19, and they lived a long happy life together until her passing in 2013. Anthony was in the Providence Jewelry industry for much of his career, working at Alan Jewelry for over 30 years as well as PAMCO Jewelry Company and E.A. Dion. He opened 2 costume jewelry businesses during his career.  The first one named Danette, after his first born daughter, that he opened soon after she was born in the late 1960’s. The second jewelry business he opened was named Matese Jewelry after the region in Italy where his family originates from. After retiring from the jewelry industry in the early 2000’s, Anthony worked as a security officer at Foxwood’s Casino for many years. He loved to work the concerts and see all the shows but mostly he enjoyed meeting people. Anthony also worked for over 2 decades at Walmart in Warwick, where every Christmas he would dress up as Santa and greet the children and pose for pictures with them. He loved everyone he met, and everyone loved him. He loved to talk and tell stories, so working with the public came naturally to him. He would make friends and small talk no matter where he was or what he was doing and people responded to that. Outside of his career, he had a deep love for cars. He would always go to car lots and window shops, and even come home with a new car on occasion. He donated blood consistently for many years at the RI Blood Bank and was a member of the Gallon Mug Club at least 10 times over. After his full retirement, he enjoyed sitting outside on his deck or by his car smoking his cigars, chatting with everyone especially his daughter-in-law Donna, and nurturing his fig tree.

Anthony is survived by his loving children Danette L. Ricci (Donna) of Warwick, Vinessa L. Myers (Norman) of Warwick, and Gina M. St. Jean (Joseph) of Ledyard, CT; his cherished grandchildren Madison and Allyson Myers, Mason St. Jean, who lovingly called him Papa. He also leaves behind his loving cousin Joseph Santomaro (Elizabeth), as well as many nieces and nephews that he loved and cherished. He was also predeceased by his two loving sisters Marilyn Tomassone and Cynthia Johnson and his beloved grandson Jason Doyon Jr. 

Visitation will be Friday, May 1, from 4:00 - 7:00pm in the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home,

600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston. His funeral will begin at 9:15am Saturday, May 2, at the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston. Graveside Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery.

Donations to the Rhode Island Blood Bank are appreciated.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com.

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