James “Jim” Anthony Ricapito

James “Jim” Anthony Ricapito, age 73, of Imperial, PA, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025.

Jim was the beloved husband of Martha L. Ricapito (née Cox) for over 26 years. Born on August 12, 1952, in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Josephine (née Raspa) Ricapito.

He was a loving father to Christie and Valerie, and a devoted stepfather to Susan Prasad (née Sharp) (Mrinal), Steven Sharp (Kimberly), and the late Carolyn Granados (née Sharp) (Monserrat). Jim was also a cherished brother to the late Antoinette Ricapito and the late Joseph Ricapito (Gena). He leaves behind his adored grandchildren: James and Nikhil Prasad, Ryan Sharp, Stacey Hurley, and the late Richelle Vormelker. Additionally, he will be missed by many dear friends, cousins, and extended family in both the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas, as well as beyond.

Jim was born in Philadelphia, part of a large Italian immigrant family filled with aunts, uncles, and cousins descended from the Ricapitos of Vieste, Italy. As an adolescent and teenager, Jim enjoyed trips to Italy to visit with family in Vieste, Bari, and Genoa. Jim attended West Catholic Boys’ High School in West Philadelphia, where he took part in school productions and developed a love of performing.

Jim was also very handy around the house. As an adult in the late 70s and early 80s, Jim accumulated a large assortment of tools with which (he was always very proud to say) he built a second-story deck in just one weekend! (Still standing!) He was also a lifelong fanatic about Christmas and Christmas decorations. You’ve never seen a more outrageously wide tree than the kind he made sure to select each year, strung with so many lights it could reportedly be seen from space. Black Friday trips to downtown Philly for the Wanamaker light show and Strawbridge’s Dickens Village were also part of many beloved Christmas traditions.

Jim was a lifelong “tire-man,” working over several decades for Ryder, Super Tire, and Rollins. He eventually took a position with FedEx Ground, which led to his move to Pittsburgh. Considered an expert in the truck tire field, he was well respected among his industry peers and enjoyed traveling all across the country for his job.

Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to share a joke with everyone he met. He felt blessed to be able to marry the love of his life, Martha, in 1999, and he relished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, savoring his memories of their childhoods well into his final years.

A celebration of life will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations to City of Elderly Love in Jim’s memory would be most appreciated.