Peter Riccelli
August 29, 2009
Peter L. Riccelli, 88, died August 29, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th, with burial at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Peter was born April 3, 1921 to Italian immigrants, Louis and Maria Rosa Riccelli from Calabria, Italy. He was raised on the south side of Des Moines where he graduated from St. Anthony's Catholic School in 1936 and attended Lincoln High School. In 1948, he married Jennie Loffredo and had three children, Becky, Sandy, and Peter Jr. In 1964, he married Lillian Larpenter and had two sons, Terry and Frank along with two step-sons, Rod and Rick Larpenter.
Peter opened his first restaurant in 1949, The Orchard Inn, located on Fleur Drive and opened Tally's Restaurant in 1953, located at SE 14th and Park Avenue. He opened the first Riccelli's Restaurant in 1964 at 3803 Indianola Road and it is still open 45 years later. In the course of his life, Peter opened three additional Riccelli’s, Riccelli’s West, Riccelli’s Fleur, and Riccelli's Mainliner, one the Des Moines' first dinner nightclubs.
Peter owned and managed two mobile home facilities, Paradise Park and Andrew Mobile Home Park. He owned and rented numerous properties in the Des Moines area. He worked hard with these properties, but restaurants were his passion. He kept books and continued weekly stock orders for Riccelli's Restaurant until the last days of his life.
Peter attended the horse races and in the 1970's, he owned his own race horse that raced at Aksarben in Omaha, NE. He enjoyed his weekly lunch and conversation with his friends, Sam Riccelli, Louis Lavorato, Pete Acri, and Dan Scavo; affectionately called the "Grumpy Old Men Club" by Lillian.
Peter is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lillian; children, Becky (Jim) Canterbury of Norwalk, Sandy Eaton of Norwalk, Terry (KumCha) Riccelli of Des Moines, Frank Riccelli of Des Moines, and Rick (Glori) Larpenter of Ames; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sam (Annie) Riccelli of Des Moines and Carmen Miller of Florida; and many other family and beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by parents; first wife, Jennie Lafferty; children, Peter Riccelli Jr. and Rod Larpenter; grandson, Charlie Riccelli; and siblings, Catherine Lavorato, Jenny Sciagliano, Mary Leo, Artilla Siders, and Tony Riccelli.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Theresa Gregory
09/02/2009
Dear Lillian and Family,
Years ago in the early 80's I sang and played piano around town...and I knew if I ever got to play the white piano at Riccelli's.. I'd be somebody!
Well Pete gave me the greatest 2 weeks of my life, and he is the Southside's Icon....
We still will see his face and hear his voice....
He can't be replaced.... My love to you all ....
Theresa Gregory 515-246-9838
John & Barb Flannery & family
09/01/2009
Please know that you are all in our prayers & thoughts. Pete was a very good man and he will be missed. May the Lord watch over you in you time of sorrow.
Sam Colacino
08/31/2009
Lillian:
It is with deep sadness that I learned of Pete's passing. You and Pete were my first bosses, way back in 1964, when you opened the Indianola restaurant.
I learned many life's lessons from Pete, among them work hard and you will succeed at anything. Although he fired me at least once a month, I loved the man dearly and will always have a special place in my heart for him.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time,
Sammy and Renee Colacino
Encinitas, CA
Steve Schmitt
08/31/2009
Peter Riccelli was a giant of the Des Moines restaurant scene. My family discovered his restaurant when we moved to the SE 14th and Indianola area in 1964. While I only personally met Mr. Riccelli a few times over the years, he always made us feel welcome at his restaurant--even when we brought the little ones. His leadership by example imparted his welcoming persona to everyone he employed. He will be missed not only by his family, but by the people of Des Moines.
Bob Aguiniga
08/31/2009
To The Riccelli Family,
I am so sorry to see the passing of your beloved husband and father.
I will always remember Pete as a gentleman and a very good businessman.
Yes Des Moines lost a giant in the restaurant business but Pete Ricellis'
name will live on forever.
Bob Aguiniga
( formally with Becker Equipment )