James J. Ricciuti, 81, formerly of Marlborough

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James J. Ricciuti

May 29, 1938 May 28, 2020

Marlborough – James Joseph Ricciuti, 81, passed away peacefully in his wife’s arms at their FL home hours before his 82nd birthday.

He is predeceased by his parents Eva and Joseph Ricciuti, his son, James Scott Ricciuti, who was a popular local musician, and his sister Frances Ramaskwich. Jim established and funded a scholarship in Scotts name at Marlboro HS through Dollars for Scholars for a graduate continuing in a music career.

Jim survived pancreatic cancer for over 4 years, and during that time he never considered living life any less than before his diagnosis, which exemplified his strength, tenacity, and desire to live life to its fullest. He continued to golf with his “bosom buddies” Bob Carver and Nick DiBuono as he had for 60 years until last fall.

Jim was born in Marlboro, MA. where he grew up and lived for many years. He attended Marlboro High School, and while playing for the football team, earned a Most Valuable Player Award in 1954.

He had many passions growing up, but none greater than the love of the sea and sailing on the open water. This was evident early on when he built a sunfish sailboat from a kit at the age of 14. This was only foreshadowing of the life he had ahead of him.

At 17 he enlisted in the AF and was assigned to the Strategic Air Command, 8th AF. After an honorable discharge, he joined his father at Murhall Sign Co.in Worcester, MA. He graduated from Northeastern University in Boston under the GI Bill with a degree in business. After taking over Murhall Sign Co. from his father, Jim managed the business for 41 years taking active roles in the industry including Treasurer for the Mass Sign Assn.

If you drive through Worcester, and its surrounding areas including RI and CT, you’re sure to see an example of his work still standing as a testament to his quality of workmanship. He made the iconic Spag’s signs on Rte. 9 in Shrewsbury.

In 1994 he married Irene Bjorkland, a nurse practitioner at UMass Medical Ctr. After their retirement he and Irene sailed the eastern seaboard from Maine to FL in their sailboat “R” gang and were liveaboards for 3 winters in the Bahamas. After retiring from sailing they pulled a family pop-up camper cross country for 3 months visiting National Parks. He also loved planting flowers and especially tomatoes. He offered a helping hand to friends and family with any kind of projects. He was generous, kind and lots of fun. His favorite saying was “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time for that’s the stuff life’s made of” He made the most of his “TOP”, time on planet, touching many lives, making and keeping friends for decades. He loved life and his family passionately and will be remembered with smiles for all the good times.

He attended Sacred Heart Church in Norwich and belonged to The United Italian Society of Norwich, CT.

He leaves his wife Irene of 26 years, his sister, Mary Duca and brother Paul & wife Barbara. A son Christopher and wife Patty, a daughter Lisa Carman and husband Bill. Scott’s partner, Maro Eremyan. Stepsons Mark Bjorkland and wife Mabel, Daniel Bjorkland and 9 grandchildren.

The family extends our sincere thanks to the staff at West Haven and Miami VAs for their excellent care . Special heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Carolina Sierra in NYC for enabling us to have four bonus years after diagnosis. She was our cheerleader and always gave us hope.

Donations in his memory may be made to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Pancan.org.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be in Norwich, CT when Covid restrictions are lifted.

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