Agnes Ricko, from Lynn, passed away peaceably at the age of 87 surrounded by family and friends on October 31. Agnes was one of the great local leaders of the Democrat Party. Many, such as myself, who have only recently become involved in the party may not know the impact that Agnes had. I will share a note from DanversDem Tom Meagher who knew her well.
Agnes took me under her wing in Lynn during the Dukakis years back in the 1980’s, and we have toiled together on local, state, & national campaigns ever since. Every knowledgeable MA politician seeking statewide or national office has known for decades that the pathway to election goes through Lynn, and Agnes has always been the Democratic Party’s St Peter vetting candidates at the gate (and holding elected officials accountable.) Small in stature, she has always commanded respect, and her passion, dedication to democratic values and tireless energy was legendary. And oh yes Sally, the stories she could tell- I will personally miss Agnes terribly, and the Democratic Party has lost a great leader.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 8 at the Solimine Funeral Home, 426 Broadway, Lynn at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectively invited. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, November 7 from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Agnes memorial may be made to the Lynn Museum and Historical Society at www.lynnmuseum.org/donate, My Brother’s Tale at www.my brotherstable.org/donate or a charity of your choice.