Joseph James Rico, husband of Sylvia (Falotico) Rico, died peacefully at Morton Hospital on April 12, 2011.
He was 87.
A lifelong resident of Taunton, he was the son of the late Frank G. and Paulina (Burgess) Rico.
Mr. Rico served in the United States Army Air Corps as an aerial gunner during World War II.
He flew 65 combat missions, including attacking German fortifications on Utah Beach on D-Day.
After the war he became a plumber, and in the 1970’s started Rico Plumbing, a business that he continued to run until his retirement.
A communicant of St. Anthony’s Church and recipient of the Marian Medal, Joe was always willing to help family and friends.
He was a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society and the Portuguese American Civic Club.
Besides his wife of Taunton, he is survived by his daughter, Carol and her husband Mark Murphy; his son, Joseph and his wife Beth MacLellan; his son, Paul; his granddaughter, Lauren Murphy; and his sister, Emma Rico Andrade.
He was predeceased by eight siblings, including Mary Bernardino, Margaret Luz, Rose Aleixo and Frank Rico, and was well loved by many nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be held from the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, on Friday, April 15th at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 a.m.
Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, April 14th from 5 to 8 p.m.
lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anthony’s Church, 126 School St. Taunton, MA 02780 or to the Holy Family Capital Campaign Fund, P.O. Box 619, East Taunton, MA 02718.