Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of Rico Gennaro Felice on November 22, 2025 at the age of 49. Rico faced a year long battle with cancer with remarkable courage and resilience, inspiring all who knew him with his strength and determination. Born to Frank and Clarice Felice on November 30, 1975. A lifelong resident of Hollister, Rico lived a life rooted in love, loyalty, and devotion to his family, friends, and community.

Beloved son of Clarice and Frank Felice, Rico grew up in a close, loving family that shaped his character and the values he carried throughout his life. He lived with kindness, strength, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people he loved.

Rico was married to his wife, Stephanie Felice, for 20 years. Their greatest joy was their daughter, Carli Felice, who was truly the center of his world. Rico supported and guided her with a love that will stay with her forever. He loved watching Carli play volleyball, traveling together with family and friends, teaching her the treasured family recipes, spending time at the beach house, relaxing at the mountain cabin, skiing and teaching others how to skii and being at the family ranch. Some of the fondest memories they shared with Rico came from these simple moments of being together.

A proud graduate of Palma High School, Rico was one of the top defensive linebackers in the program’s history. His leadership helped the Chieftains win two Central Coast Section championships in 1992. These achievements he held dear. He continued his football journey at Gavilan College before earning a full athletic scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1994, where he played for the Mustangs with tremendous pride and gratitude.

Rico later returned to Palma High School as a football coach, where he discovered one of his greatest callings. He mentored countless young men, teaching them not only football but discipline, integrity, and heart. To many of his players, he was more than a coach; he was a mentor during some of the most important years of their lives.

Beyond football, Rico brought people together through his love of food and hospitality. He founded Felice Forno Kitchen & Catering in 2007 and later fulfilled his dream and opened Forno in downtown Hollister in 2017. His passion and hard work created a place where family, friends, and community gathered, connected, and felt at home.

Rico had an unforgettable personality that lit up every room simply by being in it. His presence made people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for, qualities that defined him everywhere he went.

He is survived by his wife Stephanie; his daughter Carli; and his siblings Joseph Felice (Sharyl), Claire DelCurto, Peter Felice, and his twin sister Ticia Meagher (Caanan). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, former players, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. Preceded in death by his parents, Frank Felice and Clarice Borelli Felice.

Rico “Italian Stallion” will be remembered for his courage, his generosity, his humor, and the love he poured into everyone he met. His love knew no bounds, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the UCSF oncologist and surgeons, his cousin Jenae Felice, and both of his sisters Claire and Ticia, for their unwavering support.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Palma Foundation in memory of Rico Felice, to support the Rico Felice Memorial Scholarship.