Paul J. Riccardi Jr. passed away May 8th at his home in Christmas, Florida after a courageous battle against multiple sclerosis. Paul was born on May 20, 1946 to Joan Riccardi (née Salt) and Paul Riccardi. He grew up in Birmingham Michigan and was a proud graduate of Seaholm High School. He later graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in business.
Paul developed a lifelong interest in machinery and cars at an early age. He spent a great deal of time at his grandfather’s business, Roman Cleanser Company which was a well known manufacturer of bleach in the Detroit area. He is purported to have driven a hi low at a very young age in the company warehouse. His lifelong love of driving led him to build and race the earliest editions of the Oldsmobile 442. Paul had the opportunity to work with his Dad at Roman Cleanser through his formative years and as plant manager in the 1970s. After leaving Michigan in the early 80s he continued his work in the auto industry as a rep and a manufacturer of elegant stretch limousines in California and Florida.
Paul remained optimistic and maintained his well regarded sense of humor in the face of a debilitating illness in his latter years. May he rest in peace.