Joseph R. Riccitelli, Sr., 81, a life long resident of the Meriden-Wallingford area died Saturday, February 22, at the Meriden Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of Rose Naples Riccitelli. He was born in Wallingford, February 4, 1922, son of the late Joseph and Angelina Pasquale Riccitelli. He served in the U. S. Army in Europe during Word War 11. Mr. Riccitelli was an employee of the International Silver Company for over forty years and won numerous awards for his pewter designs. Besides his wife he is survived by two sons, Joseph Riccitelli of Hartford and Thomas Riccitelli and his wife Cindy Riccitelli of Cheshire two grandchildren, Mike Riccitelli and Kristy Riccitelli both of Cheshire and a sister, Lillian Milewski and a step-brother, Michael Trigilio both of Wallingford. He was predeceased by a step-brother, Joseph Trigilio and a sister Beatrice Turlis. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday February 25, at 10:00 a.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FLATOW Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden, with the Rev. David Strosahl officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Meriden. Friends may call at the funeral home Monday from 5-8 p.m.