Obituary of Paul James Riccardi

Paul James Riccardi, a loving husband and father, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. He was 57 years old. Paul was born in Somerville. He was raised in Burlington and was a 1979 graduate of Burlington High. Paul had a strong work ethic. Growing up, he worked at his uncle’s gas station in Watertown and his father’s store, Napoli’s Market, in Belmont. He then went on to start a career in the HVAC industry where he was employed at Farina Corporation in Charlestown for over 30 years. Paul and Kathy met through mutual friends and married at St. Williams Church in Tewksbury. They celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on August 24th. They moved to Chelmsford in 1989 where they raised their two daughters, Lauren and Nicole. Paul was a wonderful father. He made sure he was at all their baton recitals and basketball, softball, and field hockey games. If there was an event that involved Lauren or Nicole, Paul was there. He was very proud to see them both graduate from high school, college and start careers of their own. Paul was a loving son to his parents, Frank and Joanne. He had a close relationship with his sister Diane who affectionately called him her “baby brother.” He was the “fun” uncle who enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews and lifelong friends, Melinda and John Sullivan and Jimmy and Kathy Dellarocco. Paul, Kathy and the girls enjoyed vacations in OOB Maine and boating on Sebago Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee. He especially enjoyed his time with “the bears” at Clark’s Trading Post. Paul, Kathy and the girls enjoyed taking trips to the Caribbean Islands, Aruba, and Disney World along with family and friends. Paul loved riding his motorcycle and had a great time on trips to Lake George with his buddies. Some of the best times were spent laughing around the dining room table with the ones he loved the most. Paul’s unexpected death leaves a huge void in the lives of those who loved him. He will be remembered for his love of his family and his fun and outgoing personality. Paul was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Ashdown). Proud father of Lauren & Nicole. Loving son of Joanne Riccardi & the late Frank of Burlington. Brother of Diane Hoffman & her late husband Julien of Tyngsborough. Son-in-law of Alice Ashdown & the late Darrell of Tewksbury. Brother-in-law of Darrell & Lisa Ashdown of Tyngsborough and Linda & Christopher Hill of Chelmsford. Uncle of Justin & David Hoffman, Derek & Jennifer Hill and Brittany & Tori Ashdown. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Monday, Sept. 24 from 4-7 p.m. Concluding with Funeral Services at 7 p.m. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Paul’s name may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI of Greater Lowell, MA).