Wayne H. Ricco passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway.  He was 60 years old.

Born in Engelwood, he was raised in Ridgefield Park and resided in Avenel before moving to Linden 5 years ago.

Mr. Ricco was a communicant of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Avenel.

He was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New Hyde Park, NY.

He was Certified Executive Chef and had an extensive career which included positions at many locations including, the United Nations, Prudential, American Express, LouCas Restaurant in Edison, the Metuchen Golf and Country Club, Colonia Country Club, The Regent Wall Street and most recently with Springpoint at Winchester Gardens in Maplewood.  He loved to volunteer at the Community Food Bank and at Pillar Care Continuum in Livingston whenever possible.

Everything about Wayne was big and he lived life to the fullest.  He had a huge heart and an even bigger personality.  His presence filled every room he entered with warmth and generosity, but mostly with laughter.

He was a hero to his children and grandchildren, and a best friend and soulmate to his wife Lori who loved him so much she married him twice!

He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Carolyn Evertsen Ricco.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Hoffner Ricco; daughter, Alexa Ricco, of Avenel; son, Max Ricco of Avenel; mother of Alexa and Max, Marietta Ricco of Tinton Falls; sister, Janice Huele of Vernon; brother, Maurice Ricco Jr., of Moonachie; grandchildren, Anthony Ricco and Emmah Ricco; four nieces and nephews and three step-sons.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Costello-Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ.  A Funeral Mass of Resurrection will take place on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, 244 Avenel St, Avenel, NJ.  Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions to the following organizations in Wayne's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.

Community Food Bank at cfbnj.org

31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, NJ 07205

Elijah's Promise Community Kitchen and Culinary School in New Brunswick at elijahspromise.org

18 Neilson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Stop Hunger.  As Wayne often said, "Food is Love".