Francis (Bampa) G. Ricci

Francis Gerald Ricci “BAMPA,” was born on April 7, 1927 in Portland, ME. At the seasoned age of 92, he passed peacefully on December 1, 2019 surrounded by family at his daughter Lisa’s home in South Berwick, ME. He was predeceased by his wife of 50-years Pauline Ricci.  

Francis grew up living in Portland with his Uncle Phil, Aunt Suzie, Sister Irene, and many cousins. Bampa enjoyed the lives of his many friends and his immediate family including his daughter Lisa Shapleigh & Spouse Richard Shapleigh, his son Michael Ricci and spouse Jane Ricci, and daughter Debbie Gartman. His many grandchildren Micayla Shapleigh, William & Lindsay Shapleigh, Jonathan & Kelli Shapleigh, Jason Shapleigh and Fiancé, Caitlin Frame, Adrienne & Shawn Crowley, and Mathew Ricci. His many great grandchildren including William, Michael, Jackson, Jacoby, Lucy, and Aiden.

Frank, Ric, & most commonly known as “Bampa,” loved life for 92 years. His journey began in Portland, ME where he was born to Michael Ricci and Elsie Charette. He joined the Navy in 1943 as part of the Seabees when he lied about his age and joined at 16 to serve his country. He had an almost 21-year career in the military eventually earning the rank of Technical Sergeant in the Air Force before being honorably discharged on June 30, 1965. Throughout his military career he was afforded the opportunity to travel to Japan, Europe, Greenland, and many bases throughout the United States including Alaska, Arizona, New Hampshire, and Westover AFB in Chicopee Falls, MA where he met his wife of 50-years Pauline Woodman.

He setup roots in Eliot, ME on May 28th, 1965. Eliot is where he and his wife Pauline, called home for 54 years from 1965-2019. He made so many great memories with his kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren including many camping trips to Rangeley Lake State Park, spending time in Milton on the lake swimming/boating with family and up at hunting camp where he shared his many delicious venison pot pies! He will be remembered for his generous heart and love of family that will never be forgotten by so many that he impacted over his 92 years. 

Services: Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday Dec. 5th from 4-7pm at Johnson Funeral Home, 26 Market Street, North Berwick, ME. Mass is to be held on Friday December 6th at 11am  at St. Raphael’s Church, 6 Whipple Road, Kittery, ME.  Immediately following the service the family invites guest to attend a luncheon at 12:30pm at Tuscan Kitchen located at 581 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH (near bowl-o-rama).   In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 1 Hutchinson Street, Sanford, ME 04073S-1
Scarborough, ME 04074
 

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