Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Rosemary Riccardi, 84, of Sandusky, passed away early Sunday morning, November 27, 2016, in Stein Hospice Care Center.
She was born on February 3, 1932 in Sandusky to the late Frank and Mary (Walker) Schultz.
She was a child prodigy on the piano. Taking lessons when she was 3 years old, by the time she was 5 she had appeared on Toledo radio five times and was awarded first place in an amateur talent show in Cleveland where she played before 5,000 people. Rosemary gave many concerts and personal appearances at churches, schools, and organizations in the Sandusky area. At age 11 she was selected to play with the Chicago Piano Symphony Orchestra.
After she graduated from St. Mary's High School, Sandusky, she moved to New York City where she continued a career as a concert pianist. On one occasion she played as a soloist with the New York Symphony Orchestra. She also developed other interests while living in New York, writing, astrology, nutrition, TV. She wrote a very successful astrology column in Harpers Bazaar magazine for six years. Rosemary helped develop an astrology TV game show called, "Guess My Sign", which aired locally in the New York City area. Rosemary was under contract to write three books, one about astrology and two about nutrition.
In her later years she moved back to Sandusky, where she taught piano first at Lombardi's Music and most recently at Sandusky Artisans on Market St.
She is survived by her son, David.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Patsy, who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery; parents; and sisters, Eloise, Pauline, and Audrey.
Friends may call on Friday, December 2, 2016, from 10:30 A.M. until time of memorial services at 11:30 A.M. in Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Pastor John Apple of First Faith Community Church will officiate. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Rosemary's name may be made to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, or to Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior St., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.toftfh.com
