Obituary of Mildred A. Ricciardi
On December 24th, Mildred Anita Ricciardi died peacefully in her home. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Charlie, and her sister Sophie. Millie was born to George and Mary Conti in Brooklyn, New York and was part of a large extended family. She attended Girls Commercial High School where she made lifelong friends. Though small in stature, she was, to us, a giant.
Millie believed in the promise of an America that provides opportunity to all – as it did for her and her family, and she did her part to defend that belief. During World War II, Millie worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and volunteered with the Women’s Army Corps. For 40 years she worked for the Board of Elections and oversaw every presidential election from the mid 1960s through the early 2000s.
While working at the Brooklyn VA, she met Charles Ricciardi, and they married in 1949. Theirs was a true partnership stretching beyond 70 years, based upon a deep love, understanding and mutual respect for each other. Anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing Millie and Charlie gliding across a dance floor can testify as to how well they worked together. They balanced each other; Millie, the enthusiastic, optimistic cheerleader, and Charlie supplying the quiet practicality that helped them achieve their dreams. Both Millie and Charlie were tireless in their pursuit of the life they were building together. In 1952 they bought a house on New York Avenue that would become home central for Ricciardi family life. That life grew to include children Barbara, Elizabeth, Claudia, Robert, Kenneth, Linda, and Christopher. Later, there would be grandchildren Sean, Will, Claudia, Rebecca, Kevin, Andrew, Jane, Charlie, and great grandchildren Nicholas and Aaliyah
Like her husband, Millie was an avid Brooklyn Dodgers and then New York Mets fan. She went so far as to design and develop the first officially sanctioned Rosary Beads in NY Mets colors and emblems which were blessed by the Bishop of Brooklyn. It was not unusual for her to be decked out in blue and orange - nails included, during baseball season.
Central to Millie and Charlie’s life was a deeply rooted and firm belief in their Catholic faith. They joined the parish of Our Lady Help of Christians Church and became active members. Millie attended daily mass for many years and found strength in her faith. She was active in Youth Activities, the Rosary Society, and the Woman’s Bowling League. She served as a Lector and a Eucharistic Minister. Later in life she was an active participant in the Friendship Club. In 2010, the parish honored Millie and Charlie with a special service award named in their honor, including a mass and reception. A true Christian, Millie humbly served her community. In the 1970’s, she was instrumental in the development of NYC’s first public high school – Edward R. Murrow that focused on providing a better education for students with special needs. For 40 years, she served as the Chairwoman of the Southern Brooklyn Blood Bank, helping to collect over 8,000 pints of blood for those in need and was honored with an award in 2017 by the New York Blood Center. In 2019, then Brigadier General Jeffrey Milhorn presented Millie and Charlie with a certificate to celebrate not only their 70th Wedding Anniversary but to honor their service during the War and to their community.
Millie was loving, generous, and fun – few 80-year-olds can say they attended their 2nd Bruce Springsteen concert. She always saw the glass as “half-full” and believed in the power of love and forgiveness. Despite having memory issues, her sunny personality never changed.
Millie is survived by her 7 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. We were blessed to have been raised by her and can only try to live life the way she did.
Wake service will be on Monday December 29, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 9:00 PM at Marine Park Funeral Home. 3024 Quentin Road Brooklyn, NY 11234, 718-339-8900.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at Our Lady Help of Christians at 9:30 AM. 1315 East 28th Street Brooklyn, NY 11210.
Committal service will immediately follow to Green-Wood Cemetery. 500 25th Street Brooklyn, NY 11232.
To send a floral tribute please contact Floral Fantasy at 718-238-6978.
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