Florence E. "Babe" Ricci, 93, of Utica passed away on Wednesday November 28, 2012 at home with her loving family by her side. Babe was born in Utica on October 4, 1919, a daughter of John M. and Florence (Waters) Burton. At. St. Anthony's Church, Utica on October 30, 1948, Babe was united in marriage to Armon J. Ricci, a blessed union of 58 years until his passing on May 11, 2006. For several years Babe was employed with Kenwell Sporting Goods then later at Griffiss Air Force Base. She was a parishioner of St. Joseph-St. Patrick's Church. In her youth, Babe was a well-known softball player in the Utica area. She was a devoted mother who was a cub scout leader and very involved in her children's sports programs being a member of the UFA Boosters. She was a member of the Cerebral Palsy Auxiliary. Babe loved all sports but was especially proud to be a Yankees and Mets fan. Babe will be forever remembered for being an open hearted and caring woman. Babe is survived by three daughters, Florence "Cookie" Cooney and Earl Plante, Utica, Karen Ricci, Utica, and Mary Beth Ricci, Utica, one son, Armon J. Ricci Jr. and Karen Cassel, Whitesboro, six grandchildren, Colleen and husband Jim Volpe, Tara and husband, Brian Walker, Jackie Cooney, Linsey Ricci, Amber Cassel, Tiffany Curry, nine great grandchildren, special friends, Merrill Constantine, Utica and Sue VanEtten, Marcy, many nieces and nephews and her cat Jeter. She was predeceased by two sisters and a brother-in-law, Ruth and Joseph Stromick and Dorothy Recknell and two brothers, Jack Burton and Ed Burton. Mrs. Ricci's funeral will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 8:45 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St. Utica and at 9:30 at St. Joseph-St. Patrick's Church. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday (today) from 4 - 7. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Those so wishing may make donations to the Humane Society or Hospice and Palliative Care.