Robert B. Ricci

Virginia Beach – Robert B. Ricci passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 31, 2015 in his Virginia Beach home with his son and daughter by his side after a long struggle with prostate cancer. He was born January 28, 1941 in Flushing, NY to Armand and Agnes Ricci.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat, in 2007 after 45 years of marriage. He is survived by his son, Rob and wife Jo-Ann, daughter Lori Carlson and husband Barry and their children, Lane and Cate, all of Virginia Beach. He is also survived by his younger brothers Richard Ricci and Ronald Ricci. He leaves behind his beloved dog, Buddy.
Bob was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he volunteered for and earned a Naval ROTC scholarship. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and served as a field artilleryman from 1962 to 1965. Soon after his commissioning, Bob deployed to the Republic of Vietnam. While serving as Commander of a 105mm howitzer battery, his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during operations in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Following his service in the Corps, Bob had an interesting and varied career with Shell Oil, Goodman Segar Hogan, Earl Industries and United Coatings, all in the Hampton Roads area. Despite his success in the private sector, as time passed, Bob’s appreciation for his military service as a Marine grew. As the saying goes, “Once a Marine; Always a Marine.” May God Bless him, and Semper Fidelis!
His funeral will be held on Friday, April 10th at 11AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Virginia Beach with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.
Memorial donations may be made to Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center and the National Rifle Association.
Online condolences may be expressed to vacremationsociety.com.