Richard James DiNolfi Jr.

Richard James "Ricky" DiNolfi Jr, 43, of Mint Hill, died unexpectedly Friday, May 17, 2013, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Ricky was born in Whittier, California, on May 25, 1969, the son of Richard DiNolfi Sr. and Patricia Saxon. As a little boy at the age of 9, he started his life's passion of competition and racing with a skateboard. From performing on Olympic sponsored teams to baseball, skiing, and speedboats, he enjoyed every moment of the thrills those moments in life offered. In fact, one of his most prized possessions was his speedboat made by Schiada, which manufacturers a very limited number of these high-performance craft every year. Following school, he attended L.A. Trade Tech and worked extensively in the fire suppression business installing sprinkler systems in commercial and residential applications. Some of his more notable installations included Hilton Hotels, The Staples Center, and even celebrity residences including that of Cher. As time went on, Ricky developed a degenerative condition that affected his ability to carry the materials and do the job of the profession he so loved. Most recently, Ricky was working as a cook for the "Forty Rod" restaurant in Mint Hill. He will be sadly missed by his family, his friends, and all who had the chance to meet him in life and share in the special life that was Ricky DiNolfi, Jr. Ricky is survived by his mother, Patricia (companion Walter Stewart) Cosgrove of Charlotte; his father, Richard (wife Kelly) DiNolfi Sr of Parker, Arizona; three sons: Jake and Christian James "C.J" DiNolfi of Huntington Beach, California, and Brennan Fino of Branson, Missouri; two sisters: Michelle (husband Nelson) Santiesteban of Charlotte and Gina (husband Joe) McMillan of Costa Mesa, California; two nephews: Anthony Santiesteban and Dylan McMillan; and a niece Bella McMillan. He is further survived by numerous other relatives, his work family at Forty Rod, and many other friends. On Thursday, May 30, Mr. Michael Neddo will lead the services celebrating Ricky's life at 1 PM in the Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home Chapel, located at 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC. Those wishing to call upon the family may do so at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Following the service, all are welcome to join Ricky for one final ride to Sunset Memory Gardens where he will be laid to earthly rest.

Richard James DiNolfi Jr.

May 25, 1969 - May 17, 2013