William (Bill) J. Ricca has passed.

[mdk0911]

Bill Ricca has passed and he was one of the best when it came to M 1 carbines and parts - He lived not far from me and was seen at the Allentown Gun Shows.

I talked to him a few times and a super nice guy with vast knowledge and a Vietnam vet with honors.

Link to knowledge about Bill     Rest in Peace sir!!!

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/27249129/william-j-ricca/new-tripoli/pennsylvania/robert-s-nester-funeral-home

[stratasfan]

So sorry to hear. Was he a member on here?

[conn]

sorry to hear this. He was a great guy, also very knowledgeable in u.s. firearms. Every time i went to Allentown before he no longer attended, i would spend time speaking and listening to him. Purchased a bunch of stuff from him. If i remember right, he was a LRRP.  will miss him. thank you for the update.

[mdk0911]

23 hours ago, stratasfan said:

So sorry to hear. Was he a member on here?

Bill was not a member but he was very knowledgeable about m1 garands, m1 cabines and m14 rifles.  He is a well know fixture at east coast gun shows and a lot of people got help from him including myself. We lost a lot of knowledge with his passing!  

[Boy Howdy]

I remember Billy and Sue. At the time Sue was his GF. When I was a kid I would go to the Allentown show and hang out with them. Two of the nicest people I ever knew. I haven't been to that show in decades. I do concur with conn,  Billy was a LRRP. I remember him showing me a picture of him in black pajamas, Chi-com chest rig, and an AK-47 from when he served in Vietnam. He used to bowl if I remember correctly. A good couple. Back in the day he had a full page ad in the old Shotgun News. 

Seth

[268th C.A.]

I met Bill probably 35 years ago, we made a few deals and trades over the years. He was always fun to talk too. A friend and I sat up behind him at a gun show years ago and that's when I met him, we shared a lot of laughs. He was a great guy. Rest in Peace Bill. Thank you for your military service and you knowledge shared over the years to the collecting community. 

[USARV72]

Sad news, guess known Bill since early 70’s. He was a regular at many gun shows.

Condolences to his family, RIP Sir.

[dpast32]

I am very sorry to learn that ! I too have dealt with him for a great many years now, & will surely miss his knowledge & Gentleman like approach to answering any of your questions. R.I.P. My Friend,

 

       Dom Pastore Jr.