Richard Dominic Appicci, O.S.A., was born on February 4, 1928, at North Bergen, NJ, the son of Domenico and Ida (Rimoldi) Appicci. He had one sister, Beatrice Mezzari, of Cheshire, CT.

He was baptized on March 25, 1928 at Saint Rocco Catholic Church, Fairview, NJ. He attended Jefferson Elementary School # 7 and Franklin Junior High School # 3 in North Bergen, NJ, and Emerson High School, Union City, NJ, (1933-1945). He then worked in several occupations as a radio repairer, mail clerk, sales clerk, psychiatric technician. He began night-school college studies at Fairleigh-Dickinson University in 1946, and served in the US Army from 1950-1952 in France.

In September 1953 he went to the Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, as a postulant. He was received into the novitiate on January 16, 1954, at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, and professed simple vows on January 17, 1955. He then attended Villanova University (1955-1957), graduating with his BA in Philosophy. From 1957 to 1961 he completed his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC. He professed solemn vows on January 17, 1958, and he was ordained a priest on June 4, 1960 by Bishop John McNamara in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC.

From 1961 to 1967, Fr. Dick’s first assignment was to Saint Thomas Monastery and Villanova University, where he served first as a religious education professor (1961-1966), dean of student activities (1962-1965) and as Vice President of Student Affairs (1965-1967). During his time at the university he brought many prominent speakers to the university, among them the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1965.

In 1967, at the invitation of Bishop John McNabb, O.S.A., of the Midwest Province, friars from the Villanova Province went to serve in the Prelature of Chulucanas, Peru. Fr. Dick and Fr. Frank Kelly were among the first to respond to this invitation. Fr. Dick worked among the very poor and helped to establish the parish of San Jose Obrero (St. Joseph the Worker) in the barrios of Chulucanas. Fr. Dick served as Vicar General in Peru for 12 years.

Fr. (now Bishop) Dan Turley, O.S.A. wrote: “Dick’s true greatness as a person can be seen in times of difficulty or apparent defeat. Dick never gives up, never gets disheartened. I believe that he has begun to be like the people he is serving, that is, he hopes against hope. He finds hope when apparently there is nothing to hope for…. He has gained the respect and love of our Peruvian people. They know that he is for real and that they can count on him no matter what time of day or night that they might have to call on him…. Dick is a great example to all of us of a missionary who has cast his lot with his people.”

This can-do spirit, based on his firm belief in the power of the Gospel to change hearts and lives, helped him to empower others through faith to action. Feeling he could have a greater impact on Peru outside of Peru, Fr. Dick wrote: “I wish to share what I have learned in Peru with others, to get Americans to appreciate what they have and to understand what the rest of the world does not have, and to share what they have with the Third World.”

Fr. Dick spent the rest of his life doing just that.

In 1988, Fr. Dick came to serve in the parish of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Bronx, NY, a large, urban, multi-cultural and multi-lingual parish.

In 1990 Fr. Dick came to Villanova, PA, to Saint Thomas Monastery, and to the Provincial Offices to work as first Assistant Director, then Director, of the Province’s Mission Office. In this capacity, he coordinated preaching opportunities for himself and for other friars all over the US. These mission appeals helped to make known and to support the province’s mission activities in Peru, Japan and South Africa. He raised funds through collecting and selling cancelled postage stamps, and at least once a year he gathered supplies to ship to the missions in Peru, including medical supplies, wheelchairs and even an ambulance!

Fr. Appicci served as the coordinator for the Peace and Justice Committee of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova from 1994 to 1998 and as a United Nations Delegate for the Order from 1997 to 1998.

He also found time to serve as a chaplain in PA regional prisons, including Graterford and SCI-Chester, providing spiritual care to those in prison and clothing for those newly released. He was a zealous advocate for the causes of peace and justice. To help continue his work, the Province established in 2006 “The Richard D. Appicci, OSA, Endowment for the Augustinian Missions”, a fund to support the province’s mission efforts abroad.

Fr. Dick passed away on February 1, 2007, at Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on February 5 at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church on the Villanova University campus. Fr. Dick is buried at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, PA.

Click here to read the homily from the Mass of Christian Burial for Fr. Appicci.

Click here to support the Richard D. Appicci, O.S.A., Endowment for the Augustinian Missions.

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Dick was a joyful spirit that instantly made you feel cared for and appreciated. He bubbled over with mirth and mischief. He was a delight to be with and I will savor his spirit forever.

I remember Dick Appicci as a genuine, good, and happy person. Mr. and Mrs. (Jim and Marc) Fegan of Brookland worked with him back in the days when we all collected stamps for the missions. I had the honor and pleasure to succeed him in that pleasant task. The expression "odor of sanctity" might sound strange today, but that literary figure was still around then--and would apply to Fr. Appicci as much as anyone.

Dick and I, although only 7 years apar,t never met until I left and he was sponsoring get-to-gethers for past and present Friars. I communicated with him and met him on several occasions. He always showed the enthusiasm and love for those around him that demonstrated that he was indeed an "Alter Christus." If every Friar had his dedication and faithfulness, there would not be a shortage of vocations.

Reflection by Bob Wesson:

It was only a few days ago when Dick called me and we said our goodbyes. I told him that my family loved him and I loved him and will always be greatful for his loving support and friendship over the past 50 years. Dick kept me true to my Augustinian roots of Poverty over the years by taking my clothes, computers, money and anything else he could carry to the Peruvian missions whenever he could.

He encouraged me to read all the latest in Theology and spiritual life and we would discuss them in detail.

Dick was a beautiful human being who lived his life unselfishly for others. He touched many lives. He was my best friend.

Reflection by Jim Clark:

For all the silent friends of Father Dick , who loved and laughed with him at some point in his honorable life, know that we will sincerely miss him.

Reflection by Rodger Van Allen:

Dick gave me a warm and wonderful welcome when I came as the first lay prof to the Religion Department in 1964. His whole life was ministerial in a very joyful way.

Anonymous Reflection:

Dick was one of those few people in this world who truly were a reflection of all God's goodness. If God is part of each of us, Dick shone a little brighter than the rest of us. He is an example to emulate of kindness, strength and love. His faith was a "living faith." He was always open to new ideas and learning right up to the end. If you were fortunate enough to have had Dick as a part of your life, you have been graced by a gift. Our family will miss you Riccardo. Via con Dios.

I lived with Dick for several years in Chulucanas, Peru. He was a great man and mentor. His gift to me was his selfless dedication to the poor and promotion of social justice. He will be missed by many.

I'm sure there are thousands of people in the diocese of Chulucanas, Peru, and elsewhere, with tears in their eyes today and with fond, grateful smiles on their faces. Dick was loved by countless. He was a selfless, insightful, good-humored and humble man. His life and ministry was "good news" for many people. He was loyal to the poor, the marginalized and the disgraced, whether in Peru, the United States or elsewhere. To the children of Peru he was a true "Santa Claus" and he totally enjoyed their company. The Villanova Augustinians arrived in Chulucanas at a very difficult moment in that nation's history back in 1967. A year later the democratically elected government was overthrown and the socialist military regime of Velasco came to power. Anything "gringo" was under high suspicion; many of the North American missionaries working there were mocked and smeared against. With time, Dick was able to calm down fears and prejudices when both politicians and people saw his total dedication towards their welfare. He challenged others in our Order, the Church and society as a whole to "hear the cry of the poor". I first met him when I arrived in San Jose Obrero in 1980 as a deacon. He was understanding, respectful and a hard worker. I could trust him with my pains and frustrations and speak frankly to him. He truly was, as Bishop Dan Turley wrote, "the real thing." He gave people hope. His was a hunger for a just world. He encouraged reconciliation between friends, families and cultures. Blessed are the childlike,...blessed are the merciful,....blessed are the peacemakers,...Dick's life and vocation really was a sermon on the Mount!

He has run the race, finished the course, and we all know where he is now. He and Mother Teresa are probably still wondering why the rest of us don't get it.

Thank you Dick for showing us how to live with Christ and in Christ.

Dick was a Great Soul. I often felt that he was the other half of my soul. So did many others. His soul encompassed in love the lives and hearts of all God's children. I am not too old to feel orphaned by his loss. In paradisum deducant te angeli.

I and my friends from V.U. Class of 1963 are very saddened. He was our mentor, confessor, friend and example.We felt the blessings of his presence when we were with him. He affected the way we think and see the world.Our time with him over 45 years seems not enough. His quiet, consistent, affirming friendship became a source of faith and will enrich our lives forever. How blessed and grateful we are.

In 1961 I was a freshman at Villanova and met Fr.Appicci. I remember well the night Martin Luther King spoke in the Field House. Father was on the altar the day I was married 40 years ago. I enjoyed his company always, especially at the Pavillion watching Wildcat basketball. Goodbye dear friend.You are much loved by all who knew you.

Reflection by William P. Mahedy:

Dick was two years ahead of me at Augustinian College. From the first moment I met him, I respected and revered him because he was obviously a wise, kind, insightful and very holy man. He was, just by his presence, a mentor and guide as well as a friend. He was truly a great man and I am truly saddened by his death. But I know that he is now in the presence of the risen Lord, whom he loved so deeply.

Reflection by Jim O'Connor:

From 1960 -64 I was an oncampus student active in student activities. Appic was Dean of Student Activities and a mentor and supporter. We were both from North Jersey, so I had the pleasure to meet his family in their home on several occasions. I served his masses and we would visit over breakfast. When he left for Peru we kept in touch monthly thru The Chulucanas Newsletter. Who among us didn't send stamps, medical supplies, yes, even a Ford rear end to fix the Bronco...and parts for the ambulance. Later Fr Dick would visit the Augustinian parish in our home town and we wold always visit. Our family loved him .. he married one of our daughters. He was at my Mom's 85 birthday and many family events. He is one who truly walked in the sandels of the Lord. His work was his life and he helped so many people of Chulucanas feel there was hope. He was a true credit to the Augustinian Order. He was a person who touched my life and had a major positive impact. For that I shall always be thankful. I visited him twice in January. He was at peace and I am confident he is in heaven and praying for all of us. I am so pleased the Order thought enough of his work to establish The Richard D Appicci O.S.A. Mission Endownment Fund. It deserves our consideration and support. Fr Dick, I will greatly miss you.

Reflection by Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A.:

The past couple of days have been days of reflection on the life of Dick Appicci and his impact upon so many people. While his enduring legacy will most likely be his missionary work in Peru, his last years were spent in prison ministry here in Philadelphia to those who might have well been in another country. Dick was able to link his love for the missions with his ministry in the prisons by having the small stipend he received from the prison go to the Mission Office. He had a singularly good heart completely focused on the person who needed to be lifted up. Well done good and faithful servant. You will be missed.

Reflection by Frank Hartmann:

What a huge hole he leaves! His curiosity, generosity, wonderful humor, humanness, and love spoke about who God is. To me, and to so many others. How fortunate we are to have had him as a friend.

Reflection by Dennis Battaglino:

I feel that a piece of my life has been taken away. I am 52 years old and have known Fr. Rich as far back as I can remember. He grew up with my dad from kindergarten in North Bergen, NJ. I can remember as a little boy in the 1960's traveling to Villanova with my Mom and Dad and 2 brothers to see him and also attended several Villanova football games. After I was married in 1980 and had three beautiful daughters in 1982, 1987, 1990, Fr. Rich just happened to be in from Peru or in the New Jersy area at these times and was able to Baptize each of my daughters. Something that made me feel good inside. He was a person that I had so much respect for because he was genuine and intelligent and caring. He gave of himself to help others. During his many visits to see my Mom and Dad, I would always try to stop by to receive his blessing. I received my last blessing from Fr. Rich about 2 weeks ago when I drove out to see him. My Dad passed away about three years ago, and I am sure they are reunited again today as they were friends for life and now in the afterlife. Really going to miss you, Fr Rich.

Reflection by Patricia Guliani:

Father Appicci was truly a special man. Not only did he serve the people of Peru, but he became "family" to them. I am personally grateful to Father Appicci because it was through his close relationship with a particular family in Peru that we were blessed with a son. Father Appicci put us in touch with the birth mother and paved the way for us to adopt our son, Andreas, who was born in Peru and now lives in the United States. We are extremely grateful to Father Appicci who was so insrtumental in making our dream of a family a reality.

Reflection by Tom Bones, Augustinan Secular

Father Dick and I first met 53 years ago in January 1954 when he came to Good Counsel Noviate in New Hamburg, NY. Frequently, Dick and I played tennis at the Novitiate. We picked the overgrown court clean of weeds and strung up an old net we found in the barn. A few times, during the hot summer months, we would leave the "court" early and go to the walk-in refrig in the Novitiate's kitchen. The friendly and dedicated Italian nuns usually made "bug juice" for supper. The nuns were in their convent for afternoon prayer and meditation, leaving the "bug juice" unguarded. Dick and I would hurriedly and sheepishly quench our young and innocent thirst. We thought we were very clever! One afternoon there was a voice at refrig's door asking, "What are you two doing in there?" Dick instantly replied, "Father, we were looking for a short cut and thought this was the elevator!" Father Getz, our sub-master, walked away shaking his head in amazement. Dick was one of the chauffeurs at the Novitiate. He used to get the mail and do errands. I guess he got the job because he was a little older than the rest of us and had more experience. One day he had to take me for an eye exam in Poughkeepsie. We had a chicken salad sandwich and a milkshake with the money Father Getz gave him for "emergencies" - but, that's another story for another time. Then there was the time Fr. Getz drove and supervised all the novices down to West Point and Bear Mountain Park for a picnic - but, that's another story for another time. There are so many memories and so many stories over the past fifty-three years. My wife, Gerri, calls Father Appicci her "spiritual brother." As Bill O'Connor, President of the Augustinian Seculars, said, "Father Dick Appicci has finally reached his goal."

Simply, Dick Appicci, was by the grace of God, a visible incarnation of the Sermon on the Mount and, aside from that, he was great fun and a joy to be with.

Reflection by Yury Alvarado:

Querido Padre Appicci:

Un sacerdote con un corazón bien grande, siempre dispuesto a compartir, ayudar, socorrer tender esa mano amiga en momento dificiles.

Usted Padre, siempre tuvo la sonrisa en sus labios, su Fé la trasmitía por todos los poros de su piel y eso lograba que uno, se llenara de esperanza, optimismo y viera los problemas muy sencillos.

Un sacerdote que llego a identificarse mucho con el pueblo peruano enfaticamente con el chulucanenese, cada vez, que tenia oportunidad, comia su cebiche o chupe de mariscos.

Usted ocupara un lagar muy especial en mi corazón, usted fué como mi Padre, para mi nunca estará muerto, morira cuando me olvide sus enseñanzas, cuando ya no lo recuerde y no platique con mis hijas de sus locuras y chistes.

Padre lo quiero mucho, gracias por todo lo que hizo en su momento por mi y tambian lo que hizo por mi familia.

Reflection by Roger Yeung:

Padre Appicci showed me how to eat a Chulucanas mango the right way. He demonstrated to me the meaning behind working and fighting for the poor. Were it not for his energy and amazing devotion, the Augustinian presence and the opportunity for me to be a volunteer in Chulu would not have been possible. I was there during his last visit to Chulu and I've never seen a man so loved as the way the people of Chulucanas loved him. I am blessed to have known Padre Appicci and I thank him for shaping me into the person that I am today.

Reflection by Wilfredo Gallardo:

Recordado Padre Ricardo Appicci: Un Amigo al cual dios puso en mi camino desde que era niño, cuando llego a chulucanas. Un sacerdote muy noble y un corazón muy grande el cual lo compartía con los mas pobres. Un amigo que siempre te sabía escuchar y aconsejarte por el bien de tu persona, aquel hombre que nunca te supo decir no, siempre compartía los buenos y malos momentos con tu persona. En mi formaste una persona con principios y buenos modales, ahora que soy un profesional gracias a tu ayuda que me brindaste. Gracias por ser un padre para mi, la confianza que mi padre nunca me dio tu me la diste y el cariño que me faltaba de niño siempre lo recibí de tu parte. Padre Ricardo siempre te boy a recordar por que en mi corazón ocupas un lugar y los principios que me has enseñado los trasmito a mi esposa y a mi hija. Ahora que nunca te boy a volver a ver, pero siempre vas a estar presente en mi corazón. Descansa en paz y desde lo alto nos ilumines con las bendiciones que siempre nos has dado. Mi familia llora tu partida y siempre te vamos a recordar.

Reflection by Rosmery Campos:

Es muy lamentable para nosotros saber que nuestro querido y amado Padre Ricardo no estará más con nosotros en la tierra, pero a la vez alegres porque sabemos que él está en la Gloria, al lado de nuestro señor.

Nunca olvidaremos aquella especial persona que llegó a Chulucanas a compartir con nosotros sus enseñanzas, su Fé, su alegría, su inmenso amor a Dios y al prójimo, somos muchos los que hemos recibido su ayuda, somos muchos a los que él nunca dejó de dar su mano cuando más lo necesitabamos, nunca nos dejó desamparados, aún sacrificándose él, siempre estuvo con nosotros.

Yo he tenido la gran dicha de haber crecido con sus enseñanzas y con su amor y mi hija también.

Todo el pueblo de Chulucanas estamos llorando su partida, lo extrañaremos muchísimo.

Él para nosotros es un Santo y sabemos que desde el cielo seguirá cuidándonos y dándonos todo su amor y protección como siempre lo hizo.

La gran diferencia en estos momentos es que Él está con nosotros como siempre lo estuvo, lo único que no lo veremos más.

Todos los recuerdos de su alegría, su infinito amor, su inmensa Fé y su incansable caridad, estarán grabados en nuestros corazones por siempre.

NUNCA TE OLVIDAREMOS PADRE RICARDO, TODOS TE AMAMOS.

Gracias Dios mio por habernos dado al Padre Ricardo en nuestras vidas, gracias por habernos dado a nuestro Ángel, a nuestro Santo.

PADRE RICARDO DESCANSA EN PAZ, TÚ LO MERECES.

TE AMAREMOS Y TE LLEVAREMOS EN NUESTROS CORAZONES POR SIEMPRE.

As a young Villanovan I was lost in the maze of campus life, only to find a good friend Richard Appicci, a young Augustinian who lived next door. A friend to all the young classmates at Villanova, Dick Appicci ate with us at Dougherty, told stories about his youth, and befriended many. Later in life our family would remember him with donations to the A.S.G., and his work in Peru. We had several dinners with him later in life, and he took care of issues when I lost my wife recently.

A great priest. A wonderful man.

Father Appicci was a lifelong family friend. I cannot remember when he was not a part of the lives of the Quinn family. My parents met him in the early 60's when he celebrated the 10:30 and 11:30 masses in the chapel at Holy Child Parish in North Philadelphia. I remember his presence at our Sunday morning brunches. We converted him to scrapple!

Throughout the years, he has supported our family and countless others in life's joys and challenges. He was a dear friend and spritual instiration to so many. His saintly presence was hard to ignore, and felt immediately.

How blessed we were to know him. He is truly a saint!

Reflection by Juanita , Lesly, Cindy y Yanina:

Gracias dios por darnos la oportunidad de conocer a nuestro gran
amigo padre ricardo fue un angel que nos lleno de alegria esperanza y
fortaleza gracias padre ricardo por enseñarnos tantas cosas buenas.

Todos los años esperamos tu llegada a Chulucanas, donde nos llenabas de
alegria con tu presencia,pero es triste saber q ya nunca vendras,
fisicamente.

Por que espiritualmente viviras con nosotros.

Seras un angel en nuestras vidas t amaremos siempre.

Reflection by Alan G. Fischer:

The Padre and I were friends for some 42 years. I always told him I was the President of the West Coast Division of the Padre Appicci Fan Club. Our whole family enjoyed his visit here in California. Besides being sincere, humble and gracious he was also very resourceful. There was a time he was stuck in traffic for a long time. Getting hungry he went into his trunk and got a ham sandwich he had left there. God Bless you Padre - no one will go hungry in Heaven or Chulucanas thanks to you.

Fr. Rich was an incredible person. I can remember as far back as being 5 years old ( I am now 50) and visiting him at St. Anthony's Parish in Union City and later on going to Villanova University with my family and spending time with him at the campus. He gave so much to so many people. He remained best friends with my Dad who has passed away also since they were 4 years old. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had him in my life. Rest in Peace.

Anonymous Reflection:

I have known Fr. Appicci for only a couple of years. His teaching capabilities on Theology have had some influence on me personally.
He was a great teacher of Theology (Judeo-Christian Religion). His spiritual inspiration will still live in me. His acts of Charity were examples of his Christian Faith.