George Gregory "Greg" Riccardi

George Gregory "Greg" Riccardi of Caro, age 72, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw where the Lord Jesus was waiting to greet him at the gates of Glory as well as many family and friends. Greg was born October 23, 1948 in Hazel Park, the son of the late George Gregory, Sr. and MaryAnn (Zotter) Riccardi. Greg was a true "people" person and loved entertaining them as a mobile disc jockey for many years. He played at weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and weekend entertainment all over the state of Michigan. His degree from Specs Howard School of Media Arts-Broadcast Media led his desire to be in the music industry. He was a DJ on the radio in the thumb area of Michigan for several years before going out on his own as a mobile DJ. Greg worked with people in crisis at a home called "The Ridge" in the Caro Area. He spent many hours talking with them as they dealt with emotional issues. He also worked with teen boys at "Bridges" where troubled boys had an opportunity to learn from mentors about the correct way to face real life situations. He was a great listener and his compassion for each one of them could calm the most distraught person. Greg had many interests in life and his love for golfing and bowling was there from the time he was young. Learning both from his father, he followed his passion for bowling at the Brentwood in Caro where he sponsored leagues, until 2017 when it got too hard to keep his balance. He golfed through the summer of 2020 with his best friend, Bob Holcomb, at various courses in Michigan. Greg had an Associates degree from Highland Park Community College in Liberal Arts focusing on journalism. He took over being the editor for the local bowling publication, The Stars and Strikes, from the creator of the tabloid, Arlene Worth, who mentored Greg over a course of seasons before retiring herself. When that paper was laid to rest Greg started writing for the The Stars-n-Strokes tabloid out of Saginaw and edited by Mike Goddard. He also did copy editing and wrote a column for the Tuscola County Advertiser. Making friends everywhere he went, Greg was able to help the wife of his friend, Fred Bardwell, when Fred passed away suddenly. Elaine needed rides to dialysis treatments and Greg took her faithfully for several treatments until her passing. He also took several young men under his wing to help him as roadies with the DJ business. So many people showed kindness towards Greg through their actions. Snow shoveling, yard work, rides to different places, gifts of money, food and lottery tickets. He always felt he wasn't worthy, always so very thankful for the kindnesses. On January 17, 2000 Greg married Kathy and they spent those years dealing with life head on. Knowing that heart disease was prevalent in his family, Greg was always aware that his years were numbered. It didn't slow him down though. He surpassed the ages of his family members that had succumbed to bad hearts and he told Kathy it was only because of her. He wanted to stay with her as long as he could. The past six months were full of sickness and through it all he continued to live every day with determination, Kathy at his side. One of Greg's final acts of kindness was to become the legal guardian for Jeff, a gentleman that he and Kathy met when Jeff's mother was looking for help with his care. Jeff is disabled and needed someone to care for him as his mother was dying from cancer. Kathy became his live-in caregiver and Greg took on the guardian role. Together they saw to it that Jeff was able to stay in his own home with someone he trusted. Jeff liked to shake hands with Greg and would even say his name from time to time, not easy for Jeff to do. Kathy continues to care for Jeff. In addition to his wife, Kathy, Greg leaves his siblings, Janice (John) Stewart of Troy, Steven (Jan) Riccardi of Troy, and Ron (Sandy) Riccardi of Ferndale; nephews, Daniel and Scott Stewart, Ronnie (Tiffany) Riccardi, Jason Cousins, Eric (Emma) Cousins, Zachary (Lisa) Paulus, Nathan (Emily) Paulus, Brendan Paulus, Brandon Paulus; niece, Tatiana Paulus; father-in-law, Lloyd (Maryann) Paulus; sisters-in-law, Michelle Sprygada of Sanford, Christine (Mike) Cousins of Thomas Township, brothers-in-law, Michael (Leann) Paulus of Lake Orion and John (Melody) Paulus of Bedford, Indiana; and the step-children of John, Mackenzie and Jacob. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Carol Ann Riccardi; one brother, Raymond Riccardi; special aunts, Rose Schulte and Betty Cooper; mother-in-law, Phyllis Paulus; sister-in-law, Amy Paulus; and many other aunts, uncles and friends. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.