[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 82 (Friday, May 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DARRELL RICCI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2022

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
life of Marine Corps veteran, accomplished dairy farmer, and American 
patriot Darrell Ricci.
  Darrell Ricci was born in 1935 and raised on his family's dairy farm 
in Snohomish, Washington. He was an active member of the Future Farmers 
of America (FFA). In 1953, Darrell received the Star State Dairy Farmer 
Award and graduated from Monroe High School. Darrell was then awarded 
the American Farmer Degree, the highest degree achievable in the 
National FFA Organization due to his hard work and dedication. Darrell 
also attended Washington State College to study animal science. Towards 
the end of the Korean War, Darrell enlisted in the United States Marine 
Corps. He served for two years in Twentynine Palms, California and 
Bremerton, Washington. While in the Marine Corps, Darrell met his 
sweetheart, Joanne Cicelski. They got married and began their life 
together in Snohomish Valley.
  Darrell and Joanne were innovative and accomplished dairy farmers. 
Darrell was one of the first dairy farmers to utilize artificial 
insemination with All-West Breeders. He used the ``Ricville'' prefix 
for over fifty years to identify his purebred Holsteins. In 1976, 
Darrell and Joanne were awarded the Washington State Dairy Family of 
the Year. Darrell was a member with the Washington State Holstein 
Association, serving as Snohomish North-King Holstein Club president, 
state director, and state president. The Riccis won many awards for 
their incredible achievements in breeding and showing registered 
Holsteins along with their contributions to the dairy industry.
  Darrell also cared greatly for his local community. He served on the 
Snohomish School Board for several terms and was an active member of 
St. Michael Catholic Church and later Maltby Christian Assembly. On 
behalf of New York's 21st District, I am honored to recognize my great-
uncle Darrell Ricci's extraordinary life of exemplary service to his 
country and community. His contributions to the Washington State dairy 
farming industry cannot be understated. It is my hope that his diligent 
work ethic, integrity, and commitment to public service will be carried 
on by those who knew and loved him.

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