Carmen

Riccio

Carmen passed away after a brief illness with his loving family at his side on Wednesday, August 25, while at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.  He was 76 years of age.

Born and raised in Grottaminarda, Italy, he was a beloved son of the late Nicola and Carmella Riccio.  Carmen received his formal education as a young boy in Italy.  There he developed his love for working with his hands and perfecting his skills in carpentry, cabinetry and masonry trades.  He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1958, settling in East Boston.  At the age of 13 he would help his family financially by shining and repairing shoes.

He was married to Antoinette "Toni" Saggese and together would raise their own family in Chelsea.  Carmen went on to work as a cabinetmaker with his brother Pasquale.  He would later work as an independent general contractor, master mason and carpenter. He built his own home in Chelsea and later went on to completely renovate his sons home, as well as constructing beautiful natural stoned retaining walls found on the property.

After his family, his life's enjoyment was his work. He most enjoyed building and creating things from nothing.  His hands were never idle, even after suffering a serious work injury from 20 years ago.

Carmen was widowed in 2012 and in addition to his wife and parents, he was also predeceased by siblings, Pasquale Riccio and Anna Hellrigel.   He was the beloved husband of the late Antoinette "Toni" (Saggese) Riccio.  Devoted father of John M. Riccio and his wife Jessica of Saugus, Tina Bagnera of Chelsea and her husband Ronald Bagnera.  Dear brother of Salvatore Riccio of Chelsea, Michelle Ciccariello of Burlington. Adored grandfather of Tanya Bagnera and Sienna Riccio.

ARRANGEMENTS:  Visiting hours will be held from the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Monday, August 30 from 4 - 8 P.M. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend.  Funeral from the Welsh Funeral Home on Tuesday August 31 at 8:30 A.M.  Followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of Grace Church 59 Nichols St. Chelsea at 10:00 A.M.  Services will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

DONATIONS:  Should friends desire, contributions in Carmen's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham MA 01701 https://donate3.cancer.org/