George Ricca

MORTON – George A. Ricca, 70, of Morton, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022, at his home.

He was born on October 27, 1951, in Peoria, to John and Irene (Meyer) Ricca. He married Patricia Witt on March 12, 1977, in Normal, Ill.

Surviving are his wife, Pat Ricca of Morton; one son, Josh (Christine Cruz) Ricca of Dunlap; one daughter, Kerstin (Kevin) Zauke of Morton; four grandchildren, Maggie, Logan, Lewis and Genevieve; eight siblings, Dennis (Judy) Ricca of Naperville, Ill., Ginny (Don) Sorensen of Naperville, Ill., Leon (Patty) Ricca of Bartonville, Ill., Sue (Larry) Herring of Bartonville, Ill., Ed Ricca of Peoria, Kathy (Scott) Tolson of Morton, Sharry (Mike) Mohr of Mapleton, Ill. and Ken (Cheryl) Ricca of Groveland; and many nieces and nephews.

George graduated from Illinois State University before obtaining his PhD in molecular biology from Pennsylvania State University. He remained in Pennsylvania for almost 20 years working as a research scientist before moving back to Illinois to be with family, and start his own home repair business. The last years of his life were spent in self-appointed supervisory roles for various family construction projects.

George enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, listening to podcasts, and vacationing at the beach.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 7, 2022, at Grace Church in Morton, with Pastor Jonathan Farrell officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, February 7, prior to the service at the church. Entombment of cremated remains will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Runners’ Association.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.