It is with heavy and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Cosimo Antonio Riccio, beloved husband, father and grandfather, at the age of 75 years on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the TBRHSC with family by his side. Cosimo was born in Siderno Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy on June 13, 1947. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1959. At the young age of 13, he learned to play the accordion and his love for music began. In 1971, Cosimo married his true love, Angela, in Siderno Marina, Italy. The two of them were inseparable and together they raised their three children Enzo, Joe and Emily. Cosimo believed in strong family values which he instilled in his children and was overjoyed to have them work alongside him in the family business.
Cosimo worked many jobs but found his passion in teaching music which led to his ultimate dream of opening his own music store. Music World Academy was established in September 1976 offering accordion, guitar and drum lessons which transitioned into a retail music store. As a proud business owner, he enjoyed interacting with customers and found happiness in bringing music into their lives. Cosimo loved going to work every day and loved it so much that it wasn't "work" to him.
Cosimo cared for everyone around him and always went above and beyond for everyone he knew. Family was everything to him and his six grandchildren brought him so much joy. He enjoyed travelling with his wife Angela and especially loved their trips to Italy.
Cosimo will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years Angela, his sons Enzo (Cristina) Riccio, Joe (Pamela) Riccio and daughter Emily (Paolo) Notarbartolo. Cosimo also leaves behind his precious grandchildren Dante, Leonardo, Adriana, Cristiano, Claire and Angelica. He is also survived by his brother Domenico Riccio, sister Maria (Franco) Mollicola, brother Antonio (Josie) Riccio, brother Enzo (Mirella) Riccio, sister-in-law Maria (Giuseppe) Sgambelluri, brother-in-law Cosimo Pellegrino, sister-in-law Antonella (Cosimo) Sgambelluri, brother-in-law Giuseppe (Pierangela) Pellegrino, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Cosimo was predeceased by his parents Vincenzo and Emilia Riccio, sister Rosetta Riccio, father-in-law and mother-in-law Girolamo and Emilia Pellegrino, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Francesco and Rosalba Pellegrino and other relatives.
Funeral Services for Cosimo will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at St. Dominic’s Church, 130 Redwood Ave. where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Mahoney at 11:00 a.m. A private family entombment will follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum at St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Dominic’s Church on Monday, December 12, 2022 from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. with vigil prayers at 8:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cosimo's memory to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Canadian Cancer Society.
