In Memoriam: Superintendent Barry Ricci

Chariho Superintendent Barry Ricci passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at Rhode Island Hospital after an 18-month battle with brain cancer. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family.

Ricci, who was 62, was married to his wife, Lisa, for 35 years. He had two sons named Christopher and Michael. Ricci also fostered a close relationship with his grandson, Samuel.

The school district released a statement that read:

“It is with great sadness that the Chariho Regional School District notifies you that Superintendent Barry Ricci passed away last night.

"The entire Chariho family would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Ricci family and will help support the family's wishes for privacy at this time.

"Knowing this is a very difficult time for the Chariho family and community, we all will keep Barry’s memory and his family in our thoughts.

Ricci earned a bachelor of science in elementary education from Rhode Island College and earned a masters of education in elementary education from Providence College.

Before coming to Chariho, Ricci was the principal of Western Coventry Elementary School for 14 years. Ricci came to Chariho as the Assistant Superintendent in 2001 and later became the Superintendent in 2005.

Being responsible for eight schools, Ricci was dedicated to making sure that the well-being and success of students always came first. He raised the academic rigor at the high school level and was influential in transforming Chariho as a district being known for scholastic excellence.

In 2014, Ricci was named Superintendent of the Year by the Rhode Island Superintendents Association. He was an influential part in the renovation of the Chariho Alternative Learning Academy for students who needed a specialized learning environment in 2018.

“He was a devoted educator who but the well-being and success of his students first,” Chariho High School principal,” Craig MacKenzie said. “He will always be a Charger.

MacKenzie added, “We encourage you to remember Mr. Ricci’s inspirational and dedicated leadership. We will honor him by continuing the work he dedicated his life to.”