Anthony J. “AJ” Riccio, Jr.
September 27, 1979 - February 23, 2025
Anthony J. “AJ” Riccio, Jr., age 45, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on September 27, 1979, he was a son of Anthony J. and Patricia J. (O’Neal) Riccio, Sr. AJ began his public service career as a volunteer junior fireman at Holloway Terrace Fire Company. Throughout his career, he served as Rescue Captain and Assistant Chief as well as many other roles. AJ worked as an EMT shift lieutenant at St. Francis Hospital.
AJ enjoyed giving back to his community as a member of the Holloway Terrace Volunteer Fire Company. He always looked forward to taking trips to the beach. Most of all, AJ loved to spoil his nieces and nephews.
AJ was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Charles and Dolores O’Neal; and paternal grandparents, Pauline and John Stewart, and Anthony P. Riccio. He is survived by his parents, Anthony and Patricia Riccio, Sr.; siblings, Helen Irene Riccio and Paul M. Riccio; and nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 12:30 pm on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Holy Spirit R.C. Church, 12 Winder Road, New Castle, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:30 pm. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in AJ’s memory to the Blood Bank of Delmarva, P.O. Box 419354, Boston, MA 02241-9354 or online by clicking here; or Holloway Terrace Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 684, New Castle, DE 19720.
Jeanne Hinton Morgan
Tony, Patty, Helen, Paul
I am so very sorry and heartbroken over the loss of AJ. Sending hugs and prayers for all of you 🙏
Roni
Paul and the Ruccio family.
It is a deep loss for so very many people.
AJ touched so many over his short life. I will always remember his sense of humor. I will always remember how Pauly drove him nuts sometimes. I’ll remember the conversations we had at Rite Aid about Ethan and Gracie. Remember him and Paul and Helen growing up in the Terrace with Bean(Sabrina Griffith)and Face(Casey Griffith)
So much laughter from those silly kids.
Sorry this is way to soon for this to be true. Love ya AJ buddy now you can be whole again and no more pain only PEACE.💕🙏🏽😥
Martin Janicki
So sorry to hear this news AJ! I know I fought hard buddy!!! Rest well dude!
Melody Ashlock
Rossie and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of AJ. AJ had the most kind heart and was always there to help anyone in need. I can remember one winter our power went out for 4 days and I posted on facebook of anyone that had wood for sale for our fireplace. AJ quickly texted me and said to come on over and take whatever we needed from his stock pile. He kept us warm for the remainder of the outage and that will never be forgotten. What a kind man he was. Rest Easy buddy, your spirit will be missed.
The Ashlock’s
Chris s
RIP AJ rest easy homie
Carol logan
Sending prayers and Hugs. Sorry hear about AJ passing. He was such sweet guy. Love Carol
Casey Hunter
My heart breaks for your loss
Your family is in our prayers ,
Love Casey Hunter
William Hustead l
RIP Brother
Kenneth Phillips
Rip an prayers to the family at this time of sorrow Ken Phillips sr
Danielle
Sending love and prayer to your family
He is still loved by all of us
You will be missed brother from another fire company
Chrissy Sheridan-Francisco
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Toni Lynn Norris Osman
Patti and Tony My heart truly goes out to you and your family. I can’t imagine how you are feeling. AJ is at peace now. God bless you all
Earl Klingler
So sorry for the loss of a great man
Karen Stevenson
My condolences to the Ricco family. May you find strength and comfort knowing AJ is at peace.
Sue Cline
Eddie and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of A.J. Keeping you in our thoughts as you go through this difficult time. God bless and comfort you.
Terry Scherer
Truly sorry to hear about AJ. My condolences to his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you always
Rossie Ashlock
Rest easy my friend you were a kind soul and will be truly missed.
Crystal King (Gouge)
Paul and Riccio family, so sorry for your loss. Aj was a great guy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest easy AJ.
MATTHEW, DERRYBERRY
Mr,Mrs RICCIO,
IM TRULY SORRY TO HEAR AJ WAS ALWAYS GREAT PERSON BEST OF THE BEST YOUS AND THE FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHT ‘S & PRAYERS. REST EASY MY BROTHER
Karen Patterson
Patty and Tony you are in my prayers.. sending you love and.. rest well AJ gone way to soon.
Bob Snyder
My sincere condolences to Patty, Tony, Helen and Paul.
Kristi
Patty & Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Rich Johnson
Prayers and deepest sympathy for you and your family. AJ was loved and will be missed. Love you ❤️
Andrea Laub
I’m so sorry to hear about AJ’s passing. He was such a great person and definitely touched so many peoples lives. My heart goes out to all family and friends during this tough time. Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie Rose
My prayers and condolences to the Riccio family at this very difficult time. ❤️
Megan Mohr
AJ… you were my best friend. The day I first met you, your personality, humor, and generosity captivated me. You were always my #1 friend on MySpace and you always had the best farm. You walked me down the aisle at my wedding and signed my marriage license… the next day we went to Rachel NV and Area 51. When we travelled, you always had the biggest supply of Swedish fish and the hooters stickers all over your suitcase. Your presence alone would light up the room. You cared so deeply for everyone and when someone was down on their luck, you always helped out… just as you did for my family for Xmas. You took my son to his first Phillies game. From texting at work with our non smartphones that took forever to type…to the time when you told me you delivered your first happy, healthy baby while working. Every conversation we had, I will cherish forever. I know there are loved ones waiting to see you in heaven. You are no longer suffering. Now you can live like the Angel you always were to all of us. See you again, my friend 😞♥️
Randy Roberts
AJ was a friend and a brother. He could always be depended upon and was one of the most honest people I’ve ever met. He was kind, thought of others before himself and would literally give you the shirt off his back. To know him was to love him and he was always the truthful voice in the room. My life is better just for knowing in, and when I think of him, I’ll smile. Rest in peace my brother.
Rich Reed
Very sorry to hear of AJ’s passing. I knew AJ from grade school all the way through high school and he was a great person. Always funny and making people laugh. My condolences to his family.
Robin Klingler-Walls
RIP A.J., my condolences to the Riccio family. God Bless you all.
Francis Donnelly
Riccio family,Please except my deepest condolences. AJ was one of the good ones. He has shared so much of himself over the years. Ready to give and or teach in a moments notice. Always ready to share to help others in the Fire/EMS.
Community ,in any community of you will ! He will be missed !
Pat Rossi Conley
I am so very sorry for your loss Prayers and Hugs coming to your family.
Paul Eldridge
Paul: From brothers and sisters at AETNA, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Edward Macchione Jr
AJ your going to missed, your are great friend, little brother, we always had a great time, like when went fishing, getting together. One time when you were running late to meet us for breakfast with the other guys at work (at URGENT Amb.) as you were coming in, we ask the waitress to play along, an what ever you tried to order she told you they just ran out…
We had fun when we all were together. A great employee and a great friend! YOU WILL BE MISSED, BUT ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS!!!!
Patti and Bruce Blair
Another angel got his wings. Such a wonderful guy. We are grateful for the friendship he and Skip had and knowing that they are together again having a great time.
Rest in peace AJ
Mark & Marge Gott
Tony, Patty, Helen, Paul
AJ was such a sweet young man. May God comfort all of you during this difficult time. Each time you have
a fond memory of AJ may it bring smiles. Rest in peace❤️❤️
Katie Hall
Aunt Patti and Uncle Tony, Helen and Paul – I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. One of my favorite memories was AJ taking my sister and I to the little market on West Ave and we bought 100 pieces of gum for $1.00 We really thought we had struck it rich and AJ played along. I cannot fathom the loss you are dealing with right now. My thoughts love and prayers are with you.
Ed & Angela elvey
Patty and Tony, we are so very sorry for your loss. AJ was a great guy great cousin he will be greatly missed AJ. We love you. Rest in peace buddy.
Kimberley Lake
Rest in peace, AJ.