Enrico “Rico” Thomas Federighi, age 92, of Millsboro, DE, formerly of Columbia, MD, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.
He was born in Norfolk, VA, Nov. 1, 1927, son of the late Antioch College Professor Henry Federighi and the late Marie (Delage) Federighi. Rico obtained his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, and his doctorate degree from Indiana University. He had also attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH, where his father was the head of the science department.
Mr. Federighi was a mathematician for the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, retiring after 38 years of service. He loved performing in the annual APL Christmas Program (he loved to sing). Rico was a member of Mensa and the Society for American Baseball Research.
His family, numbers, and baseball were his greatest passions. He had been active in the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus over the years. While not as active in recent years, he was a longtime member of the Nautical Sounds Barbershop Chorus. He and his wife enjoyed going to the Millsboro Senior Center.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Francis Federighi. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, BaDona (Bauman) Federighi; a son, Kenneth Federighi and his wife Brandi of Ocean Pines, Md.; four grandchildren, Joseph Federighi (Sue), Vincent Federighi (Staci), Kara Rice (Chris), Colton Federighi; seven great-grandchildren; sister in-law Renie Federighi; and a niece, Carol. He is also survived by many great-nieces and -nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was truly “one of a kind.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services and burial will be held privately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date once the restrictions have been lifted. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Enrico’s name to the Millsboro Senior Center or The Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com