Michael M. Ricucci

Michael M. Ricucci, 85, of Ludlow, died Monday, Sept. 12, 2016 at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. Born in Washington, DC on Oct. 27, 1930, he was the son of the late Francesco and Libera (Scarano) Ricucci. Michael was an Army veteran of the Korean War and served from 1948-1954. He lived in the East Forest Park section of Springfield for many years until he moved to Ludlow twelve years ago. He worked for the Monsanto Company before he started his career as a firefighter. Michael worked as a firefighter for 33 years for the City of Springfield until he retired in 1988. He served as President of the Privates’ Club and later as President of the Firefighters Union. He was a member of the Marconi Club and an active member of the Ludlow Senior Center.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Shirley V. (Kelmel) Ricucci, in 2009. He was the brother of the late Domenick, Raphael and Lucretia Ricucci. Michael is survived by his two daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Manning and her husband James of Springfield and AnnMarie Cust and her husband James of Ludlow, two sisters, Josephine Buchanan of North Carolina and Mary Hebert and her husband Thomas of Springfield. He also leaves 8 grandchildren, Lance and Scott Barden, Jaime Manning, Jennifer McNally, and Michael, James, Jerry and Jason Cust, as well as 11 great-grandchildren.

Michael’s family would like to extend their thanks to Emily and Sam and everyone at the Soldiers’ Home and the two Hospices for their wonderful care of Michael.

Funeral Services for Michael will be on Monday, Sept. 19 with Calling Hours from 10am-12noon at Nowak Funeral and Cremation Service, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield followed by Committal Services with Military Honors at the Mass. Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to the Ludlow Senior Center, 37 Chestnut St., Ludlow, MA, 01056.