Obituary of Dolores D. Ricci

Dolores D. Ricci, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at Garden Terrace Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 99 years old.

Dolores is survived by her two daughters, Denise Frisoli and her husband Jerry & Karen Decker and her husband Garry; her son, Charles S. Ricci and his wife Bonnie; one brother, Randy De Fronzo; three cherished grandchildren, Megan Avallone, Melissa Gundersen & Amy Decker; and her four great-grandchildren, Julianna, Annabella, Kamryn & Nikolas.

In addition to her parents, Dolores was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph A. Ricci.

Born on June 19, 1927 in Newark, Dolores was the daughter of the late Oreste and Ida De Fronzo. After graduating from high school, she pursued her ambitions by completing a secretarial program, which led her to a fulfilling career as the administrative assistant to the superintendent of schools in Chatham Borough. Her dedication to her work was a testament to her strong character and commitment to education.

Dolores married Joseph A. Ricci, and together they settled in Madison, where they lovingly raised their three children. As a mother, she was a source of unconditional love and support, and her pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy.

A woman of many passions, Dolores loved baking, reading, and traveling, exploring numerous destinations around the world. Her zest for life and deep devotion to her family created a legacy of cherished memories that will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

A longtime parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church, Dolores was a woman of faith, whose spiritual convictions guided her throughout her life.

Dolores will be profoundly missed, yet we find comfort in knowing she is at peace. She leaves behind a loving family and a legacy filled with warmth, kindness, and love.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Dolores’ funeral mass on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those who are unable to attend the mass in person, please visit www.svmnj.org/livestream-mass

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that charitable contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Dolores’ memory.