Gioia Frassinelli Riccio

Gioia Frassinelli Riccio, a lifelong resident of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, died Thursday, just days after her 89th birthday.

Gioia graduated from Southern Connecticut State University, where she made several lifelong friends who continued to meet regularly for lunch well into their 80s. As "Miss Frassinelli," she taught second grade for two years in Fairfield, then moved to New York to work for Condé Nast publications. She became engaged while on a legendary trip to Italy with her mother and dear friend Maria Miro. She and her husband Frank Riccio, M.D.,married at St Ann's Church and raised five children in their home at St. Mary's by the Sea during their 50 years together.

For many years, Gioia was an active member of the St. Vincent's Hospital Auxiliary, serving as its president for two years. She also served on the University of Bridgeport Board of Trustees, and was active at St. Joseph's Manor in Trumbull.

Gracious, smart (she was the salutatorian of her Bassick High School class), and always ready to laugh, Gioia was known by all as a good listener and a source of sound advice. She could make a day out of a trip to Bloomingdale's with a friend, or spend three hours over a cup of tea with family. Left to remember her devotedly is her son Fred (Kathy), daughters Nina, Lisa (John), and Gioia (David), and 13 adored grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank, and son, Frank, Jr. Friends may call Monday, August 21 from 4-8 p.m. at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, August 22 at 10 a.m. at St. Ann Church in Bridgeport. Entombment will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Stratford. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Frank J. Riccio, M.D. Fund at the Fairfield County's Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com