Thomas Ricco
January 15, 1953 - April 19, 2026

Tom Ricco, age 73, of Greenfield, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on April 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Known to many as Tommy, he was a man of faith, unwavering loyalty, and love for the people he held most dear - a devoted son, a loving husband, dad and grandpa.

Born on January 15, 1953, in Milwaukee, the son of Sam and Theresa (Née Fortino) Ricco, Tom grew up with a deep love for sports and his mother's Italian cooking. A graduate of John Marshall High School, Class of 1971, he was a standout athlete earning accolades across football, baseball, basketball and track - and forged friendships that would last a lifetime.

He went on to spend 30 years as a dedicated employee of GM/Delphi/Delco Automotive.

In November of 1978, Tom met the love of his life, Kathy (Née Kotecki) Ricco, and the two were married in 1980. Together they raised their family in Greenfield and shared 46 years of marriage rooted in love, partnership, and the beautiful life they built together. They filled those years with moments and traditions that became the fabric of their family, and in retirement made a new tradition of escaping the Wisconsin winters together for somewhere warm.

Tom was a devoted father to Nick and Beth - steady and present through every season of their lives. Together with Kathy, they created a childhood full of memories: river rafting trips on the Peshtigo, July fireworks at the Milwaukee lakefront, summer pool parties in the backyard with family and friends, and a standing stop at Leon's Frozen Custard with Beth that was simply theirs. That love continued through adulthood - he was consistently present, always ready with a helping hand, a call or text just to check in. Their happiness was his happiness, and he was incredibly proud of the people they became.

His grandsons brought him a joy all their own. He was their biggest - and loudest - fan, on the baseball and football fields where "Let's Go, Ricco!" was a common cheer, and in life itself. There was no one they'd rather share a golf cart with.

Few things came as naturally to Tom as friendship - his circle was wide, his friendships many, and a remarkable number of them lifelong. From Marshall to Delphi, from the gym to the card table, he found his people everywhere he went. His bond with the Ricco cousins was something genuinely special - celebrated over many years and great times together.

Surrounded by family and friends, he loved a round of golf, a good game of cards or a cribbage match, cheering on the Brewers and Packers, and a great meal - a love that started around Theresa's table and never left him. He held his own at the grill, but above all he loved Kathy's cooking.

Tom leaves behind a life well and fully lived - one measured not in grand gestures but in the steady, loving presence he brought to everyone lucky enough to call him family or friend.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his father, Sam; his son, Nick (Jenny); his daughter, Beth; his grandsons, Alex, Nathan and Ethan; his brother, Bob; as well as a large and beloved extended family of Riccos, Fortinos and Koteckis, and many cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his dear mother, Theresa Ricco.

Visitation Friday, April 24, 2026 from 9:30 AM - 12 Noon at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3100 W. Parnell Ave. Milwaukee Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations in Tom's memory to Froedtert Hospital Foundation, designated for the Wisconsin Institute of Neuroscience.

Donations can be made online by clicking here, or by mail to: Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Attn: Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 26509, Milwaukee, WI 53226.

PRASSER-KLECZKA

SOUTH SUBURBAN CHAPEL

414-282-6080