Gene Ricci

If you attended Willard School between 1964 and 1979, you know who Gene Ricci (pronounced "Ritchie") is in all his glory. They held an annual flower sale for many years in his honor after he died and the front walk way to Willard is filled with flowers and trees that he would have appreciated.

If you were a guy then you probably felt his ring on the top of you head, never too hard as he had a soft touch, but hard enough to get your attention. This sort of behavior would be considered child abuse today but Gene Ricci got away with it because he would smile and rib the hurt if necessary. He was from another era, and one I like to reflect upon and which makes up the essence of this blog.

Thanks to Jim Schoneman for the picture.