Merico S. "Rico" Lignelli, 90, of Monongahela and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, died Tuesday, April 4, 2017. He was born on January 16, 1927 in Manown, son of Frank and Domenica Pascarella Lignelli.
After serving his country with the US Army during the Korean War, he held the rank of sergeant in the 45th Division Tank Team. Rico returned home and pursued his education in the real estate and insurance industry and opened his own business in 1955. He had a long and distinguished career for over 55 years. He helped many homeowners sell and buy real estate throughout the Mon Valley. He also was a respected real estate appraiser with a reputation of a strong expert witness. He was a kind and gentle man, who was proud of his family and growing up in Manown.
He is survived by two sons, Merico "Ric" Lignelli and wife Jodi of Carroll Township, Matthew Lignelli and fiance' Heather Timko of Monongahela; daughter, Lori Lignelli of Monongahela; four granddaughters, Nicole Domenica and Caci Marie Lignelli of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Alessandra and Christina Lignelli of Monongahela; two brothers, Lou Lignelli and wife Helen of Monongahela and Frank Lignelli and wife Joyce of Clarion; and many nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Lenzi Lignelli who died on October 26, 1972; two sisters, Lucy Carlow and Louise, who died in infancy; and three brothers, Jim, Pete and John "Shummy" Lignelli; and grandson, Luca.
The family would like to thank the aides at the Residence at Hilltop, especially Kaitlynn and Amy and also Gateway Hospice, especially Mindy and Amy.
Friends will be received on Friday, April 7, 2017 from 2-8 PM in the Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 W. Main Street, Monongahela. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10:00 AM in St. Damien of Molokai Parish, 722 W. Main Street, Monongahela, with the Rev. William Terza, pastor as celebrant. For those attending the mass, you are asked to please go directly to the church. Following the funeral mass, burial in Monongahela Cemetery will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Monongahela Area Library, 813 W. Main Street, Monongahela, PA 15063.