Robert R. Riccardi Sr. founded Riccardi’s Violin Shop in 1966. A professional double bass player, he performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra for 33 years before retiring in 2000. Coming from a prestigious musical family was a tremendous asset—his father and four uncles, while pursuing other careers, all made their mark in the music world, primarily playing bass and cello.

 

His great uncle, Anthony Quintile, broke the family tradition by playing the harp. Notably, he was the harpist heard in performances with Harpo Marx. Bob (as Robert Sr. was known) studied under his uncle Anthony Quintile, as well as Roger M. Scott of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Peter M. Pauli of the Detroit Symphony.

 

Bob’s uncle Rex, the eldest Riccardi man, served as president of New York Local 802 and was on track to lead the National Union before his untimely death at age 55.

 

Another uncle, Theodore, performed with the Meyer Davis Orchestra, the Norman Black string ensemble, and the WFIL studio orchestra. In 1945, he joined the Elliot Lawrence Orchestra, the house band at WCAU Radio.

 

Uncle Anthony (Andy) Riccardi was a prominent professional musician who accompanied legends like Frank Sinatra, the Ink Spots, and the Andrews Sisters. He toured with Charlie Barnet and Alvino Rey and played double bass for over 40 years, also serving as president of Local 77, the Philadelphia Musicians Union.

 

John Anthony Riccardi, originally a plumbing engineer, took up the double bass and turned professional at age 14, touring the East Coast with several big bands. He later became the business manager of Local 77.

 

Bob’s father, Joseph, balanced his work at Piaseki Helicopter with playing bass, mainly in nightclub gigs. Meanwhile, Bob’s brother Joseph was musically gifted as well, playing piano professionally and establishing a well-respected teaching career based in South Jersey.

 

Robert R. Riccardi Jr., the current owner of Riccardi’s Violin Shop, grew up spending countless hours in the family workshop. Naturally, he has taken over the business, applying the knowledge he gained and continuing to study the double bass. Robert Jr. proudly carries forward the Riccardi family’s rich musical tradition.

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