Simsbury Obituary: Clementina Ricci, 89

Clementina Dena (Rotondo) Ricci, 89, of Pittsfield, MA, beloved wife of Richard L. Ricci, died Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Berkshire Medical Center, surrounded by her family.

She was born March 30, 1926 in Simsbury, daughter of the late Claude and Michelina (Capone) Rotondo and had lived in Poughkeepsie, NY prior to moving to Pittsfield, MA 23 years ago. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Pittsfield, MA.

The quintessential wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Dena was full of caring and unconditional love and was always there without question whenever her friends and family needed her.

She had an unrivaled talent for creating a warm and loving home that provided a true oasis of comfort for all who entered. For those lucky enough to sit at her dinner table, they enjoyed legendary pot roasts, picture-perfect pies, warm loaves of homemade Italian bread — all served with kindness, loving hospitality and impeccable style.

“Dee” excelled at stained glass, needlework and word puzzles, loved reading, cooking shows and “poking around junk shops” collecting antique furniture, glassware and crockery. Warm, sincere and engaging, she was immediately liked by all she met. Modest and sweet beyond words, she was also quick-witted and known to sprinkle her conversations with “Deeisms” and Italian sayings that left those around her in stitches.

In addition to her loving and devoted husband of 66 years, she is survived by her son, Richard C. Ricci and wife Fawn Walker of New London; three daughters, Claudia Ricci and husband Richard Kirsch of Spencertown, NY, Karen A. Ricci and husband Dale Williams of East Hampton, MA, and Holly E. Ricci of New York, NY; her grandchildren, Sarah Donohue, Lauren Donohue Scott and husband Jason, Jocelyn Kirsch Guggenheim and husband Evan, Lindsay Kirsch and Noah Kirsch; her great-grandson, Ronen Dante Guggenheim; her two brothers, Paul Rotondo and wife Annamae, Louis Rotondo, and sister-in-law Joyce Rotondo, all of Canton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by three brothers, Dante A. Rotondo, Delio J. Rotondo and wife Marcella, and Claude Rotondo.

Calling hours will be held at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Wednesday, October 21st, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 12:30 PM at St. Bernard’s Church in Tariffville. Burial will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 191 Elm St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Please visit Dena’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.