Lou Ricci Celebrates 100th Birthday

Life-long East Boston resident, Lou Ricci, celebrated his 100th birthday party with friends and family on June 4 at the Winthrop Arms Restaurant. He wished for 100 more years when he blew out the candles on his cake.

“He’s fun-loving, sweet, and sociable,” described Christine McNamee, Lou’s daughter and only child.

Lou Ricci with his daughter, Christine McNamee, and granddaughter, Katrina, celebrating his 100th birthday party at the Winthrop Arms on June 4.

Lou was born on June 6, 1923, and raised on Saratoga Street. He was the second-youngest of seven children, and the only boy, and chuckled recalling how his sisters would cook and clean while he was playing baseball.

“Everyone looked after one another,” commented Lou about growing up in East Boston during the Great Depression, when he shined shoes for 5¢ every Sunday.

Lou served the US Navy in Puerto Rico during WWII, and married his late wife, Elena, on June 7, 1964.

“She was a kind girl,” said Lou about his wife of 56 years. “I met her at a picnic.”

He retired from Citizens Bank, where he was employed as a bank manager and president.

“Always stay busy, and have something to look forward to,” advised Lou, whose hobbies included painting, carpentry, plumbing, and other home improvements. “I was never idle. I had all kinds of businesses. I owned a summer resort on Beaver Lake in Derry, New Hampshire.”

Now Lou lives with his daughter and son-in-law, Joe, in Orient Heights, and enjoys watching Western movies. Lou loves spending time with his dog, Winston, conversations with visiting friends and family, and growing tomatoes in his garden.

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