John Joseph Ricciardulli

It is with great sadness that the family of John Joseph Ricciardulli III announce his passing.

John “Johnny” Ricciardulli III, of Roselle Park, NJ, died on Saturday, November 17, 2018. He was 44 years old.

Born in Elizabeth on August 9, 1974, to John Ricciardulli, Jr., and Irene Ricciardulli, Johnny was a talented, standout Soccer player at Roselle Park High School. In 1991, Johnny was named Union County Scoring Leader and earned Star Ledger Group I All-State First Team honors, the same year.

Johnny Matriculated onto Kean University where he played Men’s Soccer from 1992-1995. In 1992, John contributed to his teams NCAA Divison III National Championship Title and was named First Team All-Conference in 1995. 

Johnny was also a longtime member (1979-1993) of The Union Lancers ’74 Soccer team, coached by his late father, John Ricciardulli, Jr. Johnny was instrumental in leading his team to six State Finals and Six State Cup wins.

Most recently, on November 17, 2016, Johnny was enshrined as the very first Soccer player, into The Roselle Park Athletic Hall of Fame.

Johnny will forever be remembered for his warm heart, and funny, charismatic personality, which could light up any room. 

John was preceded in death by his Father, John Ricciardulli, Jr.; Grandparents, John and Edith Ricciardulli, and Edmond and Monika Walendowski, of Peterstown.

John is survived by his Mother, Irene Ricciardulli-Forrester and her husband, Daniel Forrester; Sister, Rayna Ricciardulli-Mikulik and her husband Kenneth Mikulik; Nephews, Anthony John and Michael Kenneth; Uncle, Anthony Ricciardulli; and Cousins, Anthony and Dana Ricciardulli.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Johnny touched are invited to Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, on Monday, November 26, 2018 from 4-8 PM.

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