Ronald Ricci, 1959–2026, was a ‘devoted husband, loving father and cherished friend’

Ronald Edward Ricci, of Waltham and Yarmouth, MA, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Jan. 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor. He was 66.

Ronald was born on Feb. 6, 1959 in Brighton, MA. He was the beloved son of the late Jesse and Audrey Ricci. He was raised and lived in Waltham his entire life and he spent summers at his family’s Cape house in Yarmouth. Ronald grew up on his family’s farm “Ricci Farm,” where he learned a strong work ethic from a young age.

Ronald is a graduate of Waltham Vocational School class of 1977 where he learned the auto body trade. He had a love for cars, especially Mercedes and Cadillacs. Following high school, Ronald worked at Foreign Motors West and owned his first Mercedes before the age of 20. He knew from a young age he wanted to own and operate his own business. He became one of the youngest Matco Tool dealers in New England buying his own franchise and territory. Furthering his ambitions he developed, owned, and operated New England Executive Coach, Inc. for over 30 years. Building his business he worked seven days a week, serving corporate clients coast to coast. If his long work hours were not challenging enough he got his real estate license in which he enjoyed doing commercial real estate in his limited spare time.

Ronald was a devoted husband, loving father and cherished friend. Over the years, Ronald was involved in many local civic and charitable organizations. He was instrumental in building the handicap playground at The Northeast Elementary School. He was involved in GWARC, volunteering his time and limousines for their special prom nights. He was the past president of the Waltham Lions Club the year the organization held their 25th anniversary and gala. He used to enjoy ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas time in front of the former Grover Cronin’s with his fellow lions club members.

In his spare time Ron’s happy place was spending time at his summer home in Yarmouth. He loved a good game of golf, a lobster roll and days spent with his family at the beach. Among his favorite spots to hang out were Brax Landing Restaurant for their famous lobster rolls, The Skipper Restaurant and the Tiki Bar at Blue Waters Hotel.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Tricia Ricci; his daughters Alyssa Ricci of Waltham and Jill D’Alfonso (Nick) of Medford; his siblings Jimi (Charlene) Ricci of Ossipee, N.H. and Cheryl (Pat) O’Reilly of Laconia N.H; his mother in-law Helen A. Gisbourne of Waltham, and the late Arthur Gisbourne. In addition Ron leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ronald’s life by gathering for a wake which will be held on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, Waltham, MA. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church at 920 Trapelo Road in Waltham, MA. Family and friends are invited to Brasco Funeral Home at 9 a.m. prior to the 10:30 a.m. mass. Interment will follow in the family lot at Newton Cemetery.