Obituary of Sylvester M. Ricci

Sylvester M. Ricci, 84, of Ocala, Florida passed away on August 15, 2021 when Jesus came for him. He was born February 24, 1937, the son of the late Louis Ricci and Mary Terranova.  Sylvester was born in Mount Kisco, NY; grew up in Bridgeport, CT then in 1979, Sylvester married his loving wife, Carla, and together the two shared many years of love and happiness.  After living in Bethel, CT they relocated to Ocala, FL in 2002 for Sylvester to work for the hospital in Ocala, FL.

He was a United States Army Veteran who proudly served his country.  He was a past Grand Knight with Pavia Council 48 where he participated in many events including Special Olympics and founded the Brotherhood in Action all while in Bethel, CT.  In Ocala, he was the current Grand Knight for Council No 9649 and member of assembly 1777 of the Fourth Degree Knights in addition to having served in their Color Guard for many years.  He was an admired and trusted Real Estate Broker in Ocala, FL.  As a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church he was very active in several church ministries.  Sylvester lived each day by the motto “Christ is counting on you” and was the most dedicated worker you’d ever meet.  Sylvester was a trusted confidant and spoke highly of everyone he met.  Everyone adored Sylvester and looked up to him, many have shared that “A giant has fallen” and spoke about his many great deeds over the decades.  He was a builder in his spare time everything from decks, houses, stone walls and a beautiful gazebo he was always so proud of.  Friends have said the decks will outlive the houses!

Sylvester is survived by his wife, Carla; family dog, Bindi who will miss her #1, brother/sister-in-law, Jay and Rita Rebhan; children, Sylvester Ricci Jr, Johnny (Angela) Ricci, Marla Rebhan, Linda Ricci, Richard Ricci, Brenda (Lonnie) Riley; brother Michael Ricci; along with multiple grandchildren, nieces & nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Armond Ricci, Theresa Donofrio.

A memorial mass for Sylvester will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Tuesday August 31, 2021 at 8:30am.  Queen of Peace is located at 6455 SW State Road 200, Ocala, FL 34476.  Online condolences may be sent to hiers-baxley.com.