On 2026-06-09, Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RONALD "RON" NEAL RICCITELLI" in the House.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RONALD "RON" NEAL RICCITELLI Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E551-E552] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RONALD ``RON'' NEAL RICCITELLI ______ HON. MIKE LEVIN of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ronald ``Ron'' Neal Riccitelli, of Carlsbad, California, who passed away on May 11, 2026, at the age of 80. In honor of his passing, I pay tribute to and reflect on the life he led and the impact he had on our community in the 49th District. Ron was a resident of the Carlsbad community for nearly five decades and is remembered as a beloved husband, father, brother, educator, and friend. Ron grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, a few hours north of Carlsbad. He attended San Fernando High School in 1963 and went on to graduate from San Fernando Valley State College, where he earned his degree in Physical Education. [[Page E552]] Following his time at university, Ron moved to the Tenamar Beach community of Carlsbad in 1977 and never left. Alongside his wife and partner Christine, Ron raised a family while simultaneously forming lasting bonds with his neighbors. Friends remember his caring nature and exceptionally handy ability to fix and improve the homes of others. Ron taught physical education and coached across North County San Diego for 38 years, a responsibility he embraced with great dedication. Over the course of nearly four decades, Ron served as a role model for the students at San Marcos Middle School, San Marcos High School, Carlsbad High School, and Palomar College. Under his mentorship, students were not only motivated to excel athletically but inspired to grow as people and take care of one another. At the age of 58, Ron retired from his career in education to travel the world, where he exercised his love for the outdoors across countries. Throughout his six-year battle with prostate cancer, Ron continued to show great resilience and optimism. Ron is remembered as a dedicated educator and a wonderful friend who has left behind a lasting legacy of courage, grit, and positivity. Ron Riccitelli exhibited a deep love for the City of Carlsbad and forged strong bonds within the greater Carlsbad community. He was a light to all who knew him and I share in the celebration of his life. ____________________