Cesare Augusto Ricciardi

When Cesare started his working life, he went fishing with his brothers for one month. After a month of fishing, he decided to put a deposit on a house at 16 Carnac Street Fremantle, the same street as his brothers Natale, Umberto and Pippo and his sister Sarina. But Cesare didn’t enjoy fishing, so he didn’t go back. He decided to follow his dream of motor mechanics, which was where his heart was, so Cesare began his appren[ceship as a motor mechanic at Key Motors in Fremantle at eighteen. Cesare's talent and commitment to his profession eventually led him to establish his businesses, including service stations and food establishments. He became known for his Kind Nature and warm hospitality, always greetng customers with a smile and ensuring that all his customers were satsfied.

After eleven years of residing in Carnac Street, Fremantle, Cesare decided to construct a bigger family home on Frederick Road in Hamilton Hill. This new house, where his children grew up, became their family's permanent home for over 30 years. The home was a source of joy for all the families and friends, with many pool parties and family get-togethers held there over the years.

Although my Cesare had accomplished a lot in his work and businesses, his role as a devoted family man truly made him who he was. He was married to my mum, Maria, for 60 years, and he loved her so much that I can remember all the flowers and gifts he would buy her and the holidays they would take us children on. My parents had a beautiful relationship together. They demonstrated the meaning of loving your partner and family to hi children. Cesare's deep love for his children was evident in how he supported and encouraged all his childrens endeavours. He took great pride in their successes and celebrated our achievements as if they were his own.

Cesare had many passions. One was travelling, exploring new places worldwide, and spending time in his hometown in Capo D’Orlando, Sicily. We all have fond memories of all our family trips when we were younger. One of the first family trips overseas was in 1979; he took us, along with his brother Toto, sister-in-law Lorna, and his niece Natalina, to Italy. We travelled from Switzerland in the mountains down the coast of Italy to the beaches of Capo D’Orlando. My dad even bought a VW Combi Van for the trip from the local soccer team in Milan. One story from that trip I remember is when we travelled around Italy. The combi van had a broken side door that would open. As we were driving this one [me, we were going around the corner, and the side door opened, and 4-year-old Marco fell out of the car. We said Dad, Marco has fallen out onto the grass, Dad slammed on the brakes, and he returned and got him. This still makes me laugh when I think of this story.

As we got older, he continued to take us on adventures throughout Western Australia, from Carnavan, Kalbarri and Geraldton up north to Esperance and Albany down south. We even travelled overseas to Penang and Singapore with our close friends Joe, Maria, Carla, Anthony, and Peter Sgro.

Cesare loved travelling and love meeting new friends all over the world. He would get their contact details and keep in touch with them for years. Dad had this natural knack for connecting with people, and people loved him for his honesty and sincerity. Even when you look around today, you see that my dad connected with all genera[ons, from the young to the old.

But despite his love of exploring new places, Cesare's heart truly belonged to his hometown in Capo D’Orlando. Once all his children were grown up and married, my parents would spend six months of the year in Australia and the other six months in Sicily. He cherished his time in his hometown of Capo D’Orlando and felt a deep connection to its people and culture.

One of Cesare's other greatest pleasures was cooking, and he became renowned for his culinary talents, especially his pasta and desserts, like tiramisu. Until last year, he would cook pasta for all the soccer players after the training and games on Thursdays and Saturdays. He would feed each player individually, trea[ng them like his own sons. His kitchen was a place of creativity and love, where he found joy in preparing meals for his loved ones. Through his delicious creations, Cesare's legacy with food will live on in the memories of those fortunate enough to taste his dishes.

Cesare loved bringing people together, whether it was his family through organising family picnics or organising his friends to get together by organising tables for the local Italian dances. Cesare loved people, and people loved him. His family, friends and the local community will miss him so much.

Let us remember Cesare for the remarkable full life he lived. His journey from his hometown, Capo D’Orlando in Sicily as a 15-year-old to the shores of Fremantle, Australia, is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. He faced adversity with courage and built a successful career through hard work; let us be inspired by his steadfast love for his family and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. May his memory be a guiding light, reminding us to cherish our loved ones, pursue our dreams, and embrace the joy of life.

Rest in peace, dear Cesare. We will miss you so much; we promise to look after Mum.

Your spirit will forever live on in our hearts. Love you, Papa.