Riccelli, Samuel Anthony - 1920-2011

BENVINUTO, CATRONE, GORSCHE, LAVARATO, LEO, MILLER, RICCELLI, SCAVO, SCIGLIANO, SIDERS

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 9/6/2024 at 13:33:18

Sam, 91, passed on December 8, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Monday, at Christ the King Catholic Church with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery. Sam's family will greet friends 2 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday, at Brooks Tonini Chapel, with a Rosary at 6 p.m.
Samuel Anthony Riccelli, son of Luigi and Maria Rosa (Benvinuto) Riccelli, was born January 23, 1920 in Des Moines. He served in the U.S. Navy as a cook during World War II. Sam owned and operated a restaurant, Sammy and Mae's, for 27 years. Following the sale of the restaurant, Sam retired to Florida where he owned a mobile home park. After his wife Mae's death, he returned to Iowa. Following his return to Iowa, he married Ann Scavo. During their eleven years of marriage, they enjoyed many good times together.
Sam liked to visit Prairie Meadows and watch horse racing. He enjoyed being a vendor at the downtown Farmer's Market. Sam liked to visit with his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews each morning, as well as having lunch with his friends Danny, Pete and Nick. He enjoyed going out to eat dinner with his family. Sam was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mae; and his siblings: Peter Riccelli, Katherine Lavarato, Tony Riccelli, Mary Leo, Artilla Siders, and Gennie Scigliano.
Those left to remember Sam include his loving wife, Ann; niece, LuAnn Gorsche; sister, Carmen Miller; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jim Scavo, John Scavo, Mary Catrone, Rose Scavo, and Lillian Riccelli; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be given to Christ the King Catholic Church.
Special thanks to Sam's caregiver, Sherry Edwards.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, December 11, 2011, page 8B