William Edward Ricco
December 4, 1931 – January 7, 2026

William Edward "Bill" Ricco, 94, of Simsbury, CT passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026. He was born on December 4, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York to William S. and Victoria Ricco, and was the beloved husband of Grace Caridi Ricco. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and proud veteran. He was raised in his grandparent's home by his devoted mother, Victoria, and a large extended family.

Bill attended Brooklyn Technical High School. While still in high school, he joined a group of professional musicians where he sang and played piano. Bill played professionally until 1975 and his love of music sustained him for the next 50 years. He passed that love of music on to his children and grandchildren.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He served both as a company cook, running the camp mess hall, and as an infantryman, rising to the rank of sergeant. Bill loved telling stories of trading with local villagers to secure the best cuts of meat for his fellow soldiers - efforts that earned his mess hall such an excellent reputation that high-ranking officers often made special trips to dine there. He remained deeply proud of his military service throughout his life and was often seen during retirement wearing his cherished Korean War Veteran cap.

While continuing his education at New York Community College, he began his career at The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. Bill met Grace and they were married on a snowy day on January 18, 1958. They began their life together in a small Brooklyn apartment before moving to Staten Island in 1964, where they made their home for the next 11 years. During that time, Bill faithfully endured a long daily commute, driving his VW Bug to the Staten Island Ferry to New York City and then continuing on by train to the hotel. During his 19-year tenure at The Plaza, Bill was appointed as the Vice President of Human Resources. He spent countless hours on the job and often had Grace, their children, and the family dog stay with him on weekends while he served as manager on duty. During those visits, the family was treated with exceptional hospitality and introduced to a wide range of memorable culinary experiences.

When Sonnabend International sold The Plaza Hotel in 1975, Bill was promoted to General Manager at The Sonesta Hotel in Hartford, CT. He moved his family to Simsbury, CT, marking the beginning of an eight-year career in Hartford followed by an additional four years at The Sonesta Hotel in Portland, ME. He was known for his warm, generous spirit and gracious, heartfelt hospitality. One treasured memory was his surprise 50th birthday party that was lovingly planned by Grace and his staff at the Hartford Sonesta.
 

Bill played a pivotal role in the opening of The Simsbury Inn in 1988, contributing his expertise throughout the construction phase and providing management support for several years thereafter.

After retiring from active hotel management, Bill continued sharing his passion and extensive knowledge by teaching hospitality management at the Morse School of Business in Hartford and Briarwood Junior College in Southington, CT. Bill was also a member of numerous professional and charitable organizations.

Above all else, Bill's greatest joy was his family. Everything he did was guided by love for Grace, his children and grandchildren. He was happiest traveling around New England again, this time in his Volkswagen Jetta, to watch his grandchildren participate in athletic competitions, equestrian shows, dance recitals, a cappella and band performances. He was honored for many years at his grandchildren's Veteran's Day ceremonies.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, and his beloved wife of 66 years, Grace Ricco. He is survived by his children, Vicki-Marie DeLuca, (Douglas) William E. Ricco, (Colette) and Susan Forcellina, (Michael) along with his cherished grandchildren; Douglas DeLuca, (Rebecca Steinberg) Kristin DeLuca McClain (Timothy), Stephen DeLuca, Joseph Forcellina and Hope Forcellina. He was blessed with his first great grandson, James, in June 2025.

There will be a private burial at the convenience of the family. Bill will be laid to rest with full military honors at The State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, CT. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Governor's House in Simsbury, CT for the loving care they provided Bill in his later years.