Riccardo Picchio, age 87, died in New Haven on August 13, 2011 after a long illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly fifty years, Maria Simonelli Picchio. He was born in Alessandria, Italy on September 7, 1923 to the late Carlo and Maria Fontana Picchio. Considered one of his generation's most influential scholars in the field of Slavic Studies, Professor Picchio taught at Yale University for nearly two decades, from 1968 to 1986. After retiring from Yale, he taught for a decade more in Naples, Italy. He continued to divide his time between the United States and Italy as long as his health permitted. Friends, family, colleagues and students alike will remember him for his remarkable intellect, keen wit, and generous spirit. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 16th at 1:30 p.m. at Yale University's Saint Thomas More Chapel, 268 Park Street, New Haven. Memorial contributions can be made in Riccardo's name to Amnesty International at amnesty.org BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden in care of arrangements.