Brownsville Chamber of Commerce President dies

Sad news for the Brownsville community today--longtime president Frank Ricco has died, according to a Facebook post.

The post includes a statement from Vice President Carl Della Penna, which reads:

"Pretty much every one of us can't remember living in the Brownsville area without Frank Ricco. When I think of Brownsville I can't help but thinking of Frank. His love and passion for Brownsville and its betterment was second to none. He gave countless gifts of time, talent and treasure to the Brownsville community for decades. He gave to and supported the community more than anyone will ever know. I remember Frank as a kid with Little League Baseball, what he did for the schools, the sports teams, the band and numerous other school activities. I remember selling parts to Frank as a late teenager and continuing servicing his company up to today. I served as Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce under Frank for probably 20 years, and Vice President of his Sons of Italy Lodge for almost 10 years. Frank was board President for the hospital, Luzerne Park, State President of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania....so many organizations you can't name them all. He was a mover and shaker. When Frank was involved he wanted and expected it done, and done right. He was a pillar businessman in the community. To me he was an inspiration and an idol. I learned a lot from Frank. We will all miss him very much."

As a result, the Chamber of Commerce's meeting scheduled for Feb. 9 has been canceled.

Visitation hours will be Sunday and Monday from 1-8 p.m. at the Brownsville Sons & Daughters of Italy. The Sons of Italy will hold a memorial at 6 p.m. Sunday and a wake at 6 p.m. Monday. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Brownsville's Historic Church of St. Peter, an Ricco will be interred at LaFayette Memorial Park.

His family has asked that donations be made to Ricco's scholarship fund.