Emil Peter Ricci

Emil Peter Ricci, age 88, of Livingston, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at his home with his family by his side. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, December 23, 11 am, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Livingston. Father Navil Rodrigues will serve as Celebrant of the Mass. Viewing will be held Sunday, December 22, at Franzen-Davis from 2pm-6pm, with a Rosary at St. Mary's at 7P.M. Final Resting Place is to be Calvary Cemetery, Livingston. Memorials are preferred to: St. Jude's Children's Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or Catholic Social Services of Montana P.O. Box 907, Helena, MT 59624. Emil was born on November 24, 1925, in Livingston, Montana. He was the son of Sam G. and Theresa M. (Armentaro) Ricci. Emil was baptized as an infant, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. Mary's in Livingston. He received his education at St. Mary's Parochial School. Emil entered active military service in the United States Army on February 16, 1945, and served his country during World War II in Korea. He received an Honorable Discharge on December 7, 1946. On June 14, 1947, Emil was united in marriage to Rosetta Laubach, at St. Mary's in Livingston. This marriage was blessed with a daughter, Marilyn. Emil was a lifelong Livingston resident. He and Rosetta shared 66 and a-half years of marriage. Emil was employed at Northern Pacific Railroad as a Machinist Welder and with Burlington Northern as a Switchman and Brakeman. During his career he worked in Livingston, Bozeman and Helena areas to the west and Laurel to the East. He retired in 1986. Emil was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was also a member of Mountain Swingers Square Dance Club for 30 years and the Gallatin Good Samaritans for 18 years. Emil was a man of great talent. He had a knack for being able to take something old and make it new again. He was a self-taught man mastering woodworking and painting. Emil had created many works of art over the years and will be especially remembered for giving over 150 "Last Supper" holy crosses to family and friends. He painted landscapes on any medium he could find. He enjoyed time spent hunting, fishing and tending to his garden. He and Rosetta were blessed to have been able to travel the States and also much of Europe and the Holy Land. Emil especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. Emil's example of devotion to family, friends and God has shaped his family to be the people they are today. We are grateful for the time shared with him and he will forever live on in our hearts. Blessed be his memory. Emil is survived by his: Wife, Rosetta Ricci of Livingston, MT. Daughter, Marilyn Raisland and her husband, Alvin of Big Timber, MT. Grandchildren, Kalvin Raisland and his wife Elaine of Leonardo, NJ; Aurora Elkins and her husband, Brandon of Sandy, UT; Kaycee Huffman and her husband, Josh of Big Timber, MT. Great-grandson, CJ Huffman. Brothers, Jim Ricci and his wife, Shirley of Livingston, MT, John Ricci of Salt Lake City, UT and Robert Ricci of Livingston, MT. Many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Emil is preceded in death by his Parents, Sam and Theresa Ricci, Brother, Victor Ricci, Daughter, Emily as an infant. The family invites everyone to the luncheon at the church immediately following the committal service. Arrangements are under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.