Obituary
JoAnne (Stone) Ricardi, 91, of Flagler Beach FL, and formerly of Westborough MA and Lancaster NH, passed away Tuesday March 5th, 2024, at her home in Flagler Beach, Florida.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Ricardi, her companion in 72 years of marriage; her four children, daughters Debra Trainor and husband John of Lunenburg MA, Cynthia Tefft of The Villages FL, and sons Christian Ricardi and wife Julie of New Gloucester ME, Richard A Ricardi and wife Tara of Westborough, her 11 grandchildren Mylinda, Erika and Brendan Tefft, Aaron, Sandra and Jesse Ricardi, Forrest and Adelle Trainor, Caleb, Ethan and Nathaniel Ricardi, 3 great-grandchildren; and loving neighbors and friends.
JoAnne grew up in Lancaster, N.H., daughter of the late Reynald C. and Bessie M. (Reed) Stone. She was predeceased by her brothers Robert Roby of Whitefield NH, and Theodore Roby of Baltimore, MD, and recently by her cousins Rey John Stone and Doris (Stone) Bergeron, both of Lancaster. Her cousin Carol (Stone) Bailey and husband Ronald of Lancaster survive her.
JoAnne was a 1951 graduate of Lancaster Academy. She was a four-year varsity basketball player; her team jacket hangs in the collection of Lancaster Academy artifacts. As a child, JoAnne and her mother Bessie worked summers on a telephone switchboard in Twin Mountain, NH. After high school she traveled winters to Florida to work at The Breakers and Hollywood Beach hotels. It was during this time she realized her childhood friend Dick was to be her forever companion. They entered holy matrimony March 12, 1952 at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Palm Beach, FL presided by Fr. O’Maney, with bridesmaid Virginia Wright and best man Joseph Monahan.
JoAnne and Dick moved to Westborough, Mass in 1955. There, they lived and raised their family for 43 years. JoAnne worked at local businesses and volunteered most of her adult life. She staffed the Westborough YWCA “Y’s Buys” thrift store, and taught CCD at St. Luke the Evangelist Church where she was a communicant and confirmed her children. She was a long time Office Manager for dentists Dr. Joseph Poras of Marlborough MA and later Dr. Myles Hirsch of Shrewsbury MA, both dear friends. In 1998, she and her family moved to Flagler Beach, Fl. where she became active in the Flagler Preservation Council and other environmental issues. Throughout her life, she treasured special times with her children, their families, and her grandchildren. The recent arrival of a great granddaughter and two great grandsons brought her great joy. Most important to JoAnne was being a wife and mom for her husband and children. She treasured her times with family and friends at their cottage in Westport, Mass. And she enjoyed many rides with Dick on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. She was an adamant sports fan who enjoyed cheering on New England and Florida sports teams.
Her faith was always guiding each step of her life. She always wore her cross, particularly her favorite silver and turquoise crucifix. Words are cannot describe what she has meant to her loved ones. Her memory will live on among family and friends who love and miss her.
Her family thanks Vitas staff who attended to her in recent months. Memorial services immediately after her passing were held in FL. Services in MA are being planned.
You and Uncle Dick always the last couple on the dance floor. You waving as you ride off on the back of Uncle Dicks motorcycle.
Your big wonderful family encircling you at family events . You always had room to squeeze us in for a hug. Thanks for always making us feel loved. Love you....Val and Pete and family
Love and miss you Nana
Never apart
Joanne Ricardi