Ulderico “Joseph” Ricci, 90, passed away at the Olathe Medical Center on Sunday, August 9, 2015, after a short illness. He was surrounded by his family.

Joseph was born in Pisterzo, Italy on October 9, 1924, the son of Guiseppe and Anna Ricci. He came to the U.S. in 1932 at 8 years of age. The family settled in Osawatomie, Kansas, where he graduated from high school in 1944.

He joined the Army and served in Europe during World War II. He worked at the Kansas City Star for 32 years and retired in 1987. He was a long time member of the Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of the Foreign Wars, the 40 and 8, the Elks, and a member of the Lenexa Gun Club.

He was married to Frances Lawler of North Dakota in 1949 and they became parents of 5 children; Robert, of Topeka; William, James, Sandra Klusman, of Lenexa; and Sharon, of Shawnee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Brent Ricci.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Fran; five children; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Jo Obermeier, of Venice, Florida.

The family will have a Rosary at 5:45 PM, followed by a visitation from 6:00- 8:00 PM on Thursday, August 13, 2015, at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home at 143rd and Black Bob. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 16000 W. 143rd Street, Olathe, KS, at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 14th. Burial to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery at 83rd and Quivira in Lenexa, KS.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Prince of Peace Catholic Church.