Dawn Ricciarelli
October 13, 1955 ~ August 22, 2025
Dawn Ricciarelli, 69, of St. Johns, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at 1:22 PM at Community Hospice/Baptist South in Jacksonville. She was lovingly surrounded by her devoted daughter Tiffiny, son Joey, the love of her life for 18 years, Kenneth Brown, and her grandchildren Brittany Dickey (Tyler), Rachel, and Tony.
Born on October 13, 1955, in Mattoon, Illinois, Dawn was the oldest daughter of John Arthur and Nancy Ann (Hildreth) Fisher. She grew up alongside her beloved siblings Tam Lincoln (Dave), John Fisher (Lila), and Tava Elder (Gary). Life took her from Illinois to Shaker Heights, Ohio, and ultimately to Florida, where she settled in 2003.
Dawn was an exceptional mother to Brandon Michael Thompson (Holly) of Charleston, Illinois; Brenton Matthew Thompson (Linda Holland) of Sacramento, California; Joseph Peter Ricciarelli IV (Veronica) of Jacksonville, Florida; and Tiffiny Lynn Molo (Corey Mozingo) of St. Johns, Florida. She was also a proud grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren: Brittany, Ally, Annabella, Rachel, Austin, and Tony.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her two former husbands, Michael Thompson and Joseph Ricciarelli III.
Dawn attended Lakeland College in Mattoon, Illinois, where she studied Computer Logic and Programming. Her strong work ethic carried her through an impressive career, retiring in April 2025 after 18 years of dedicated service at Riley Gear Corporation. She looked forward to retirement as a time to relax, travel, and spend more time with the family she adored.
Earlier in her career, she cherished working at XLO from 1989 to 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio, and was proud to be part of the team that transferred to Jacksonville. She also worked at Justrite Manufacturing Co. in Mattoon.
As a single mother, Dawn worked tirelessly, always putting her children first and leading with love, strength, and grace. She enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, home improvement projects, and sipping a glass of wine poolside while overlooking the third green at her home in Cimarrone Golf & Country Club. Her love for hummingbirds was well known, and her fascination with them will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
In accordance with her wishes, family and close friends will gather in Key Largo, Florida, to scatter her ashes while listening to her favorite song, Desperado by The Eagles—a perfect tribute to her free spirit.
Our family sincerely appreciates all the thoughts, prayers, and condolences during this time.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Ricciarelli family.
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Very thankful to have had this beautiful soul in our lives. She will be missed but I’m confident she is and will always be here in spirit for all of her loved ones. Sending prayers and love to the whole family. Thank you Dawn for being a part of our lives and for your love.
Our condolences are with you and your family. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Love and prayers to Tiffiny, Corey, Rachel and Tony. She loved you beyond measure and was so proud of the woman and wonderful Mother you have become. God Speed.
No more pain, worries or anxiety, just peaceful sleep. My condolences but know she is at peace, love you.
My condolences to the entire Ricciarelli family!
I always remember Dawn being a very sweet, kind girl in high school.
I was happy to reconnect with her on FB several years ago. May she rest in peace.
God Bless you Dawn, I enjoyed every minute of working with you at Excello. God Bless the family stay strong.
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Dawn and I were cousins and grew up together. She was always fun and sweet. I am praying for her children and grandchildren as I know she will be missed. I will think of her whenever a hummingbird is near. love you, Dawn. ❤️
Eternal life has begun! Dawn will never be forgotten! Always in my heart and one of the true workers at Riley!! Fly High Dawn! No hall pass needed!!!!
Dawn, your patience and love of family and friends made you the wonderful person you were. May you fly high with the angels without pain ♡
💔🙏💞
Sending our love and condolences to all in this sad time. 🖤
I am so sorry to hear this. Dawn was one of the nicest and friendliest person I have ever met.
Prayers for her and her family.
Our condolences to all the family members with a special prayer for Tiffiny, Rachel, and Toni.
For Tiffiny and all the family,my sincere condolences on your loss.I know you will all heal,in time,and remember all the good times shared through out a lifetime.It is not the number of years given ,but the loving memories we create that is our legacy.Beavo to Dawn.I cherished our moments together.
I know she was proud of the strong, loving daughter she raised. Prayers of peace for you all. May her memory be held close every time you see a hummingbird.
Heart felt condolences to the whole family.
Praying for you and your family. May the memories of your dear mother always bring a smile, laughter, love and comfort to your heart!
Love you Tiffiny!! I’m so glad I got to hang out with your Mom. Now I know why you’re so awesome 😘❤️😘
Tiffiny, Corey, Rachel and Toni sending love and hugs, condolence's to you all, Dawn every time I see a hummingbird I will smile, 🖤😘
My condolences to the family. Dawn was a great lady.
Will always be missed
She will always be in our hearts.