Veronica Jo Ricciardi

Veronica Jo Sarver Ricciardi, age 55, of New Philadelphia, Ohio died Friday, June 22, 2012, in the Cleveland Clinic following a courageous battle with cancer.

Veronica was born at Marietta, Ohio on July 9, 1956 as the sixth of seven children born to Vera (Barth) Sarver of Marietta and the late Ervin “Dag” Sarver.

Upon graduation from Marietta High School, Veronica entered the workforce and was employed for 17 years by the Ormet Corporation at Hannibal, Ohio. More recently, Veronica enjoyed employment at the Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market, until she resigned due to health reasons.

On April 22, 1994, Veronica married her longtime friend, Joseph Ricciardi and through that union created a lovingly blended family.

Veronica was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia and served as an advisor to the Stone Creek “Peas and Carrots” 4-H Club. For a number of years, she enjoyed being a part of the Tuscarawas County Italian-American Festival.

As a lover of animals, Veronica enjoyed the time she spent horseback riding, and caring for her dogs. At home, she could be found working in her lawn and spending time carefully tending to her flower gardens. Additionally, she was a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers professional sports teams.

More than anything else, Veronica enjoyed sharing her life with her family. One event which will forever be special to all is a trip to North Carolina, which was made just a week ago, as a gathering of 40 family members joined together for a family reunion.

Veronica will be deeply missed by her mother, Vera; husband of 18 years, Joe, and children, Matthew (Ericka) Schneider of Marietta, Brandon Hesson and Abigail Heyward of New Philadelphia, Michaela Ricciardi of the home, Richard “Buddy” (Cathy) Ricciardi of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Anthony (fiancée, Jessica) Ricciardi of Glen Burnie Maryland, and Jonathan (fiancée, Justina) Ricciardi of Wheeling, West Virginia.

Other survivors include six siblings, Candace (Tom) Teubert, Harry Sarver, John Sarver, Marcia (Tom) Sharpe, Lynn (Bob) Shaffer, and Tom (Peggy) Sarver. Her beloved grandchildren, Olivia, Mattie, Ethan, Edrick, Bella, Caleb, Maria, and Alex as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 2:00 – 4:00PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Christian Wake Service will begin at 4:00 PM. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia. Immediately following the service, all are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the Dover Geib Hospitality Center.

Following services, cremation will be cared for through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover.

The family suggests memorial contributions in Veronica’s name be directed to the Stone Creek “Peas and Carrots” 4-H Club c/o Cheri Boone, 4624 Stone Creek Road SW, Stone Creek, Ohio 43840 or to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 6895 Dover Zoar Rd NE Dover, OH 44622.