Dante V. Ricciardi

Dante Virgilio Ricciardi, 93, of Oradell, formerly of Union City, NJ, passed away March 31, 2022 peacefully in his sleep. The youngest of seven children Dante is predeceased by his brothers Ralph, Michael, Joe, Augie and by his sisters Anna and Elia. Growing up in Union City, New Jersey Dante attended St. Michael’s school from the 1st to 12th grade. After graduation he went into sales which led him to opening his own real estate company in Bergen County. Dante was inducted in the United States Army in January of 1951 to serve in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged after receiving the Purple Heart medal in October 1956. Upon returning home, he met his wife of 64 years, Connie, at the Italian Community Center in Union City. They met at a dance and they continued to dance together throughout their lives. Dante’s loves included reading, swimming, the Yankees, music, family and friends. Dante played the guitar as well as several string instruments. Throughout his life, his crooning singing voice was a comfort to his entire family, from his siblings when he was young to his grandchildren. Dante was a very spiritual man who led a long and happy life and wanted everyone he met to laugh and smile. His sense of humor was one of his biggest blessings. He always put everyone at ease and made them feel welcome. He was the life of the party, a great story teller and a magnet for joy in every room. Dante will be greatly missed by his family. He is predeceased by his daughter, Michele Meussner. He is survived by his wife, Connie; son in law, Darrell Meussner; daughter Antionette Ricciardi and her sweetheart Joel Kimiecik, son Dante Ricciardi and his wife Lisa his grandchildren Nicolle Gordon and her husband Eric; Bridget Levens; Emily Reilly and her husband Kevin; Jack Meussner; Reilly Ricciardi; Dante Ricciardi; and his great-granddaughters, Mia and Zoey Levens and Penelope and Scarlett Gordon. Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, 4-8PM at the Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10AM at St. Joseph’s RC Church, Oradell. Entombment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.