A Father's Final Wishes- Elio Ricciardi

On Monday night going into Tuesday morning, April 11, we lost a loving husband, father, and friend, we lost the one-of-a-kind, Elio Ricciardi. He was taken far too soon but he passed away peacefully in our home where he had always wished to. Even in his final months leading up to this tragic day, he wanted to make sure his family would be taken care of but we never expected it to happen this suddenly.

No one can ever prepare for a moment like this but we take peace in knowing he lived exactly how he wanted up until his final moment. He always believed it was better to "live one day like a lion, rather than ten days like a sheep" and he did just that in his way. He was a true stubborn, Italian man up until his last day who wanted to be the fighter he always was. His heart was too big for his body, and this was the proof; those who knew him know exactly how much of a stand-up man he always was and how he'd be the first to protect those he loved and cared about.

He asked prior that we do this as a way to help with funeral costs as well as help the family get back on its feet, and we wanted to respect his wishes. We plan on having his ashes so that eventually when that time comes he can be with the dog he loved more than anything Lola, next to all his karate gear and belts he cherished. So we ask that those who knew him and the family help by sharing or supporting the cause as a final tribute to him.

If people would rather send private donations we will list them here:

Cashapp: $eliabebe123

Venmo: @DonnaElio

"A man doesn't die until the last person has spoken his name."- Elio Ricciardi