Transcribed Obituary for Okmulgee County, Oklahoma ************************************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm Submitted to: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/okmulgee/okmulgee.html Submitted to: http://www.rootsweb.com/~okokmulg/ Transcribed & Submitted by: Shelley Lynch ************************************************************************ Leo Ricco 1913 ~ 2006 Leo Ricco was born June 15, 1913 to Jules and Katie Ricco in Frontenac Kansas. The family later moved to Henryetta and settled in Creek Mine Addition where Leo and his brothers worked in the coal mines. When the mines closed, Leo went to Chicago to work in a factory. He served his country in World War II, along with his brothers, Jim, Max, John, and Fred and all returned home safe. Later, Leo worked at Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company until he retired. After retirement, he loved going fishing with his brother-in­law, Cecil Van Meter; and he loved to eat his catch. Leo loved to shop and visit with family, but most of all he loved to dance and did every chance he could. Even during the time his health was failing, whenever both feet touched the floor, he would dance. He loved to waltz and to polka and could out dance most anyone. When he wasn't dancing, he was looking forward to the next dance. Leo was an avid football fan. His favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys and you could find him in front of the television, wearing his Cowboys cap, whenever they played. Leo always said he wore the cap to help the Cowboys win. Leo was a simple man. In a world where many desire more than what they need, Leo was content with what he had and who he was. Leo was a good man and was always there for his family, his friends and his neighbors. He always had a joke to tell and always had a great laugh for yours. Leo was very proud to be a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 539, a member of the American Legion Post 85, and a 32nd degree Mason. Leo departed this life on Saturday October 7th, 2006. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Katie and Jules Ricco, by his sister, Theresa Barcellino, his brothers, Jimmy, Max, Johnny, and Freddie, his nieces, Norma Archer, Elvera Barcellino, and Genevieve Counterman, his nephew Fred Barcellino Jr., and numerous other family members. Leo is survived by two sisters, Lena Van Meter and her husband Cecil of Henryetta, and sister, Margaret Davis of Henryetta, his life-long friend and companion, Alberta Sloan, of Tulsa and a host of family members and friends. Leo believed that, above all, family comes first and he honored his family throughout his life. He instilled respect, honesty, humor, and love of family in all who knew him. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at the Shurden Funeral Home Chapel in Henryetta, Wednesday October 11 at 10:00 A.M under the direction of the Shurden Funeral Home. Full military rites and honors will be conducted for Leo at Westlawn Cemetery by VFW post 539 in Henryetta and Post 1189 in Okmulgee immediately following the services.