Robert Ricci, Jr.

Robert Ricci, Jr., 58, died on Thursday, January 30 at Community Medical Center in Toms River surrounded by his family with the songs of Bruce Springsteen playing in the background.  

Bob, as he preferred to be called, was born in Newark and raised in Hillside by his parents Sue Ann Kosakowski and the late Robert Ricci, Sr.  After graduating from Seton Hall Prep High School, he headed to South Bend, Indiana to study Finance at the University of Notre Dame.  He earned his law degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Law School in 1988.  Always eager to learn, he went on to obtain his Master of Laws in Corporate Law from New York University in 1992.   

Bob started his law career at Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrman & Knopf in Saddle Brook.  After spending 7 years there and making Partner, he left the firm in 2003 to start his own family law practice at The Law Office of Robert Ricci in Rahway and most recently in Clark.  He appeared in courthouses throughout northern and central New Jersey, including the Appellate Division and even the New Jersey Supreme Court. He served as a Matrimonial Early Settlement Panelist for more than 25 years. He was a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and the Union County Bar Association.  As an accomplished attorney, Bob received many awards and accolades over the years and published his work in law journals.  He was well respected by judges and lawyers throughout the state for his brilliant mind and his persuasive courtroom presence.  

Bob’s tenacious spirit was never more evident than in the stands of his favorite sports teams.  He was a devoted fan of the Mets, Jets, Cowboys, Rangers, Knicks and of course the Fighting Irish. He loved rounding up his family and his friends to join him for games – even if they rarely shared the same allegiances as him!  The playful banter that ensued only added to the experience of going to the game with Bob.  He spent many years volunteering with the Big Brothers program making connections with youth in the community.  On weekends, Bob could be found in the Poker Room at the Borgata or the Hard Rock in Atlantic City.  His love for playing cards introduced him to an amazing group of friends that became like family to him.  

Bob is predeceased by his father Robert Ricci, Sr. and his maternal grandparents Frances and William Doyle.  He is survived by his devoted mother and stepfather Sue Ann and Bill Kosakowski; his beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Danielle Ricci, Mike and Kerry Ricci, and Vic and Katie Bauer; his adoring nieces and nephews Billy, Camden, Tommy, Ryan, Kevin, Kyle, Caroline, Jack, Megan and Brooke; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins and his many friends.  

Bob will live on through the gift of organ donation.  In the darkest of hours, our family is finding comfort knowing that recipients in New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina have been given a second chance at life.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The NJ Sharing Network, 691 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974. www.njsharingnetwork.org