Kathryn Anne Riccardi

Kathryn Anne Riccardi, 39, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 21, 2025. As in life, she was surrounded by family and love. Kathryn was the beloved daughter of Patrick and Kuni (Paus) Riccardi, and a cherished sister to Beth Riccardi (Matt McKee) and David (Kaitlin) Kyi-Riccardi. She is also survived by her grandmother, Teresa Riccardi, two nieces and two nephews, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kathryn was predeceased by her grandfathers, Dominick Riccardi and Royal Paus, and her grandmother, Kunigunde Toutloff. During her life, Kathryn brought immeasurable love and joy to her family and friends. She brought her sunshine wherever she went. We often said that she knew no strangers; for as soon as she met someone new, she would find a way to befriend them and then promptly introduce them to whomever she was with. Trips to Wegmans or the library were very social (and let’s be honest, very lengthy) outings for our Kathryn. Her life was marked by continual service to others. She spent many hours volunteering at NunBetter and St. Camillus; she was a familiar, cherished face to many of the older residents there. She brought comfort to many without need for recognition. Kathryn was the life of the party. She loved celebrations of all kinds but particularly enjoyed weddings and birthday parties. (She especially loved celebrating her own birthday.) She loved a good joke or prank, often cracking, “Are you kidding me?” with her trademark crinkly-eyed smile. When she laughed, she laughed with her whole body. In addition to parties and pranking, Kathryn loved bowling, swimming, and reading. An avid reader and collector with a large, eclectic library, she shared this abiding love of books with her nieces and nephews, who listened enthralled at her side. She had a near photographic memory, recalling the exact words of countless poems, songs, and movies. An aficionado of all things Disney, she was especially fond of Frozen, earning her the nickname of “Princess Aunt Anna.” Kathryn also had an enduring love for her grandparents—her Noni and Poppa. When giving her own condolences, Kathryn would tightly hug the bereaved and say, “Poppa is welcoming you to heaven”—words that now bring us comfort as she joins him. Kathryn will be dearly missed, but her spirit is too vibrant to ever leave us truly. We will continue to find Kathryn daily in countless ways: We will channel Kathryn when we introduce ourselves to strangers when we might otherwise be too shy. Just like Kathryn, we will let ourselves always find the good in others. She will be in every bear hug, every birthday party, and every delicious bite of cake. Kathryn is everywhere still. Kathryn’s family would like to thank the many friends who have given their care and support. We are thankful for Dr. Elizabeth McNany for her incredibly compassionate care. We thank Dr. Tim Creamer, Dr. William Berkery, Dr. Muhammad Khan, and Dr. Mitchell Brodey for their guidance. Shereece Pesante of Premier Care at Home provided gentle and skilled palliative care. We would especially like to thank her long-time devoted mentor, Viki Boorady-Kunkel. Last but not least, we are forever grateful to her “friend for a lifetime,” Sister Jane Bourne. A private burial has been held with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, to honor Kathryn’s life, contributions may be made to Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, 225 Greenfield Pkwy, Ste 208, Liverpool, NY 13088, St. Charles Church, 501 So. Orchard Rd, Syracuse, NY 13219, or to Advocates, Inc., 300 South Manlius St., Fayetteville, NY 13066. Until we next meet Princess Aunt Anna, we love you endlessly, always, forever and ever. When the time is right, we know you and Poppa will welcome us home.

Kathryn Anne Riccardi

October 5, 1985 - August 21, 2025