Chariho Schools Mourn Loss Of Superintendent

WOOD RIVER JUNCTION, RI — The Chariho school district is mourning the sudden loss of its superintendent. On Monday, the district announced that Superintendent Barry Ricci died on Sunday night.

"It is with great sadness that the Chariho Regional School District notifies you that Superintendent Barry Ricci passed away last night," read a message posted on the department's website. "The entire Chariho family would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Ricci family and will help support the family's wishes for privacy at this time."

Chariho schools are not in session this week due to the holiday recess. Classes will resume on Jan. 2. Because of the vacation, administrators "felt it was best conveyed as soon as possible."

Counselors will be available in the library of Chariho Regional High School from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday for those in need of support.

Ricci served the Chariho school district for nearly two decades, serving as the assistant superintendent from 2001 to 2005, when he became superintendent.

The 62-year-old was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2018, The Westerly Sun reported, adding that all flags at Chariho schools were lowered to half-staff in his honor.