Johnnie Ricca

Johnnie Ricca was born August 17, 1932, in Burleson County to immigrant farmers Joe and Mary Scardino Ricca.  His parents came over from Sicily in the early 1900’s to the fertile area in the Brazos Valley.  Johnnie and his twin, Sam, were the youngest of ten children.  Johnnie passed into the arms of Jesus Christ on May 6, 2024 at the age of 91.   A memorial celebrating his life will be conducted at St Anthony on May 13, 2024 at 10:00 am, led by Father Raj and Deacon Bill Scarmardo.

Johnnie began work for Southern Pacific Transport in June 1954 and retired after 30 years in 1984. He then worked for Dabbs Oil Company from 1984 until 1995.  He ran a cow business for 40 years.  He enjoyed performing random acts of kindness for friends, neighbors and relatives and could often be found repairing a fence, helping pen cattle or assisting with various farm projects.  Johnnie enjoyed fishing on the Brazos River and hunting.  His great joy was to cook Italian food for his family to carry on the strong traditions of his parents.  Johnnie and Mildred spent their retirements years enjoying their grandkids on the weekend.  They spent time fishing in the pond, feeding cows, going to the gas station to get popsicles and going on summer vacations to Galveston.  On Friday evening they would go to the Feed Barn for fried catfish. As devoted grandparents they were always in attendance at little league games, dance recitals and choir concerts.

He made it a practice to arise at 5:00 am to recite the rosary, read the Bible and pray for two hours.  As a committed Christian, he volunteered at St. Anthony’s bazaar, spaghetti dinners, prayer room and office.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and four brothers including his twin.

He is survived by his spouse of 71 years, Mildred, and two sons John Andrew Ricca and wife Janet, David Mark Ricca and wife Mary Ann all of Bryan.  Three grandchildren, Lauren and husband Layne Scott of Little Elm; Rachel and husband Keith Burnett of Celina and John David and wife Emily Ricca of Tennessee. Five great-grandchildren Klein Ashlee Burnett, Crawford Zachary Burnett, Remi Belle Ricca, Quinn Rae Ricca and Joey Sloan Ricca.

Johnnie’s favorite verse which exemplifies his life.

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.