John Frederick Ricci, 67, of Elko, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2026.

John was born on June 11, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts, to John Frederick Ricci and Loretta Marie Hirtle. He lived his life somehow quiet and out loud at the same time. He was a man who could blend into the background one moment and command a room the next.

At age 11, his family moved to a suburb near Los Angeles, California, where he later graduated from Downey High School. John's first love was Rock and Roll. As a teenager, he was rarely seen without music playing, always air drumming with perfect rhythm. His record collection was extensive and legendary. That passion carried him into the world of touring, where he found his place among the musicians he admired.

In the 1970s, he began a lifelong friendship with Scott Stoneberg, attending more concerts and events than either could ever count. Their bond became a brotherhood that lasted the rest of their lives. John worked as a lighting technician with the bands Rough Cutt and Quiet Riot from 1984 to 1988, and later with Testament from 1994 to 1997. His favorite memories came from touring with American heavy metal singer and songwriter Ronnie James Dio, whose music and presence left a lasting imprint on him.

After his years on the road, John built a second career as a talented mason with Local 9 in Michigan. The work gave him a creative outlet and a deep sense of pride with the satisfaction of building something solid, lasting, and done well.

John will be remembered for his opinionated presence, his love of hunting, fishing, motorcycles, and music, and his zest for travel and life. Though he refused to fly, he would travel any distance by land and cherished every mile spent on the open road. He loved his kids deeply, and his birthday and holiday calls and texts will be missed more than words can say. His nieces, nephews, and their children could always count on hearing from Uncle John on their birthdays too — a small gesture that meant a great deal.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Lynsey Marie Ricci (Kevin Palmer) and remembered by his stepchildren Colin Galbraith, Christie Kedziorski, and Kali-Ann Kedziorski; his sisters, Sharon Amundson and Lisa Fox; his brother, Dean Ricci; his aunts, Pamela Groft (Terry) and Marcia Ricci; and his cousins, Ron McDonald, Amelia Ricci, Harden Ricci, and Terry Groft, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Loretta; his grandparents, Frederick L. and Helene Ricci; and his uncle, Frederick A. Ricci.

A Memorial Visitation to honor John's life will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 1:00-4:00, at White Funeral Home 20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044.