Susan M. Rica

Susan M. Rica, ne Assunta Maria Pepe, 87, of Warren, NJ, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on April 3, 2018.

The funeral mass will take place on Saturday at 11:15 at St. Theresa's Church in Kenilworth. Interment will be at Graceland Memorial Park in Kenilworth. Friends will be received on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard in Watchung. Condolences can be offered at stellatofuneralhomes.com.

Susan was born in San Bartolomeo, Italy on August 23, 1930 and was raised in Springfield, NJ. She graduated from Jonathan Dayton High School, where she met her lifelong love, Frank P. Rica, who predeceased her in 2015. After they were married they settled in Kenilworth and Susan worked for Prudential in Newark before she left to raise her family. She was the Yankees most loyal fan, and also rooted for any team her grandchildren played for. She was known for her excellent cooking and loved sharing it with her family. She is survived by her children: Frank Rica Jr. and wife Lisa, Don Rica and wife Roxanne, Linda Rica Vizzoni and husband Anthony, and John Rica and wife Kelly. She is the loving "Mima" of 12 grandchildren: Jack, Jenny, Dominic, Alanna, Will, Frank III, Michael, Luke, Joseph, Anthony, Andra and Nicholas. She is also survived by her sister Antoinette Fiorilli and brother Matthew Pepe and wife Patricia, in-laws Mariano Ferraro, Teddy and Angela Rica, Delores Rica, and Josephine and Lenny Rataski, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was lovingly cared for by her most trusted angel, Julieta, who remained by her side until the very end.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Center for Hope Hospice, 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.