John ‘Topper’ Ricci

He was born February 19, 1938, in Hancock, the son of the late Joseph and Isabelle (O’Brien) Ricci.

Following graduation from Hancock High School in 1955, he worked as a delivery driver and manager at Houghton Bottling Company for 52 years.

John was united in marriage with Kay Grondine on May 27, 1958, the couple resided in Hancock where they raised four children.

Topper enjoyed officiating hockey, working 30+ years in the college ranks (WCHA and CCHA) where he officiated five national championship games. He also officiated over 600 high school hockey games, including many state championship games. He also loved playing softball and golf. He was inducted into both the U.P. sports hall of fame and Michigan Softball Hall of Fame in 1996. John was also selected to the Hancock High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Preceding him in death ere his parents, his son Ray, his brother Joe and sisters Mary and Catherine.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Kay; children, Brien (Catherine) of Houghton, Mary Kay (Michael) Rouleau of Hancock, and Mary Jo (Harvey) of Sullivan, Missouri; grandchildren, Ryan (Heidi) Ricci, Travis Ricci, Skylar (Grace) Ricci, Peter (Maren) Rouleau, Ross Rouleau, Tracee (James) Hanner, and Megen (Nathan) Booker and 16 great grandchildren.

Topper’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Omega House for the care given to him during his stay.

Per John’s wishes, a private family service will be held later this spring.

Memorial contributions in Topper’s memory may be given to the Omega House in Houghton.

To view Topper’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit memorialchapel.net.