Anthony Angelo Ritacco, 89, of Westerly, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2024, at home.
Anthony was born on September 30, 1934, to Louis and Rose (Gaccione) Ritacco in Westerly. He is survived by his sister, Anna Cardinali of Mystic. He was pre-deceased by brothers Joseph Ritacco of Minneapolis and Louis Ritacco Jr., of Westerly, and sister Angelina Ritacco of Westerly as well as daughter-in-law Kimberly Lima Ritacco, wife of son Anthony, of Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
A Korean War Army veteran, Anthony was a graduate of Macalester College and lived for a short time in St. Paul, Minnesota. While traveling back and forth to Rhode Island, he met the love of his life, the late Marypatricia. They married in January 1966 and were married for 56 years. Anthony leaves their 4 children, son Michael and his wife Kelly; Mollie Fitzgerald and her husband John; Patricia Ascari and her husband Michael, and Anthony and fiancé Elisha Morris; and five grandchildren, Marley Ritacco, Michael Ritacco, Lukas Ritacco, Gillian Ascari and Sawyer Fitzgerald.
Anthony, better known as “The Ace” lived most of his adult life in East Greenwich, where he and Patsy raised their family. He was a part of multiple businesses statewide. While working as the sales manager for the East Providence Post, he and the paper’s editor John Howell bought the Warwick Beacon in 1969. The company went on to buy The Cranston Herald and start weekly newspapers in Providence, Seekonk, Coventry and Newport as well as a commercial web printing company, Beacon Press Corporation in Warwick. Eventually, Tony ran the printing company and Howell the publishing company. The Ace’s reach throughout the state was wide, as he employed many people, mentored more, and fostered many business relationships throughout his storied career.
The Ace was a dedicated family man and a loyal friend to many with a heart of gold. His departure brings great sorrow to so many and is deeply felt by everyone whose life he touched.
Anthony will be laid to rest with military honors alongside his beloved Patsy this summer.
Donations in his memory to the Karen Bradshaw Memorial Charity, PO Box 1017, East Greenwich, RI 02818 or at www.kabgolfmemorial.com would be appreciated.
