Vincenzo “Vinny” Riccio, 71, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 29, 2023, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Born on October 31, 1952, in Ellwood City, PA to the late Antonio “Nino” and Aurora (Di Battista) Riccio, Vinny was a well-known businessman, owning and operating Vinny’s Restaurant and Pizzeria with his wife Patty since 1980.
Vinny was a graduate of the Lincoln High School Class of 1971, a student-athlete, Vinny was a member of the varsity football team. He continued his education at Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri and was the kicker on the football team. An avid sports fan, Vinny could be seen at many Ellwood City sporting events supporting local student-athletes. His love of sports transcended to his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as he could be seen at all their games.
Vinny married the love of his life, Patricia, “Patty” (Yohn) on January 18, 1975. Together they raised four amazing children, Antonio (Preslee) Riccio of Ellwood City, Dr. Nicholas Riccio of New York City, Santino (Natalie) Riccio of Ellwood City, and Krista (Kyle) Spargur of Pittsburgh. Vinny was most proud of his grandchildren; Maria Riccio, Antonio Riccio, Vinny Riccio and Vida Riccio all of Ellwood City.
Surviving in addition to his immediate family are his siblings, Pina Riccio and Elena (Robert) Punzell of Ellwood City and Nino (Robin) Riccio of New Castle, his great-aunt and uncle Rina and Frank Perrone of Ellwood City and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Vinny is preceded in death by his parents Nino and Aurora Riccio.
Vinny enjoyed serving the community which he loved for over 40 years. A staple of the community, Vinny’s Pizza and Sub Palace began on Lawrence Avenue in Ellwood City in 1980, eventually moving to its current location on Beaver Avenue. Vinny’s was not just a restaurant, but a place to gather with friends and family, and Vinny made sure everyone felt at home. His sense of humor and the sparkle in his eye will be missed, but his legacy lives on in his family and community.
Friends and relatives will be received on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 4PM-8PM at Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 309 Spring Avenue, Ellwood City, PA. A mass of Christian Burial will be at 10AM on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, 415 4thStreet Ellwood City, PA, with Fr. Joe Freedy presiding. Interment will be at Holy Redeemer Cemetery.
Donations in Vinny’s name can made through the Club Hope Foundation (www.clubhopefoundation.com) and the Autism Speaks Network (www.autismspeaks.org).
To my lifelong friend and football teammate.Vinny you keep them straight up there and laughing hard Fortunate are we who knew you well. God we had a lot of fun together. Thanks for the memories my dear friend, until we meet again. God bless.The Riccio family.. Respectfully. Richard J Greco..