Dr. Kevin Mark Riccitelli, D.O.

May 10, 1949 – February 21, 2026

Dr. Kevin Mark Riccitelli, D.O., 76, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in Oklahoma City on February 21, 2026, with family by his side, as some of his favorite hymns played. He was born on May 10, 1949, in New York, New York, to Reverend James and Ruth Riccitelli, who preceded him in death.

As the child of missionaries, Kevin spent his childhood in the Republic of Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), where his deep faith and lifelong compassion were formed. He often shared fascinating stories from his years in Africa that his family loved to hear.

Kevin proudly served on active duty in the United States Army from 1972 to 1973, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he received commendations for outstanding performance and dedication as an Advanced Individual Trainee and Battery Clerk. He continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1977. His discipline, humility, and service-minded spirit were commended by his superiors.

Following his service, Kevin earned degrees that reflected his dedication to learning and healing:

• *Bachelor of Science in Biology (minor in Chemistry) from Taylor University, 1971
  • *Master of Science in Ecology (Cum Laude) from The University of Toledo, 1976
• *Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1981
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After completing his internship in Massillon, Ohio, he began his medical career as a Commissioned Officer and General Medical Officer at the U.S. Public Health Service Lawton Indian Hospital from 1982–1985, where he also served as Chief of Staff (Clinical Director). He received both the Commissioned Officer Service Award and the Public Health Service Citation Award upon discharge.

Throughout his career, Dr. Riccitelli, or “Dr. Ricc” as many called him, practiced medicine with integrity and compassion across Florida and Oklahoma. He served patients in private practice and hospital settings including Doctors Cossu and Riccitelli Medical, Goodyear Medical Center, Comanche County Memorial Hospital, and later through his own practice, Kevin M. Riccitelli, D.O., LLC, in Lawton, Oklahoma.

He also held positions with the Department of Defense at Reynolds Army Community Hospital, the Veterans Administration, and the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, where he provided exceptional care to active-duty members, veterans, and their families. His work earned recognition including the RACH Star Award for Excellence in Patient Satisfaction and Medical Care. As a natural teacher, he spent time as a liaison to Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he mentored future physicians with kindness and wisdom.

Dr. Riccitelli saw medicine as a ministry and often credited the Lord for guiding his hand. Known as a gifted diagnostician, he balanced knowledge with faith — praying over difficult cases and trusting in God’s direction. He once said he didn’t think he was particularly great at school, but that God saw fit to use him in medicine, and he practiced that humility his entire life.

Kevin met the love of his life, Terrie Lee Lashley, in Lawton/Ft. Sill in 1972 — after a fateful meeting over a dropped sponge in a creek while washing cars. They were married on August 31, 1973, beginning a 52-year marriage rooted in faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion. In the early years of their marriage, they loved bike riding, camping, and sailing, enjoying new experiences and adventures together before settling into their ultimate joy together - family life.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Terrie, their three children and families, Kris and Brandi Riccitelli (son Luca), Heather and Ryan Starks (daughters Claire and Vivienne), and Lindsay and Dylan Cavin (son Weston and daughter Coralie); his siblings Karis (late husband, Bob), Karen (husband Mac), Kenda (husband Terry), and Keith (wife Nancy); and the Lashley family, Judith Nazaryk (late husband, Steve), and Mary Payton (husband Dan). He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. James and Ruth Riccitelli, and Terrie’s parents and siblings, Melvin and Bonnie Lashley, Delores and Robert Linker, and Tommy Lashley. He was a cherished uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2019, Kevin received a lung transplant on January 1, 2020 — a life-extending gift for which his family remains forever grateful to God, to the donor, their loved ones, and the Integris care team. That gift blessed his family with precious extra years, which he filled with love, gratitude, and meaningful time together.

A true family man, Kevin filled the household with music and laughter. On his days off, his kids knew morning had come when Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” started blasting through the house — his joyful way of getting everyone out of bed before he made breakfast. He loved those mornings and carried breakfast time into time spent with his grandchildren. Despite a busy professional life, he always made time for family including family dinners with devotions, coaching youth sports, and attending scout camps. The greatest gift he gave his children was how he loved and cared for their mother. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and physician who lived with warmth, humor, and generosity.

He was also “Mr. Fix It” — always tackling a new home project and his family joked that when no one knew what to get him for a gift, they should just “break something.” Simple joys made him happiest: nature, sailing, camping, animals, jazz, breakfast pastries, chocolate, driving his beloved 1975 CJ5 Jeep with no radio or A/C, teaching and mentoring others, serving in church, time with family, and helping anyone in need, including animals.

Dr. Riccitelli lived by example: serving God, caring for others regardless of background or circumstance, and pursuing excellence with humility. His life’s work touched countless patients, students, family, and friends who knew and loved him deeply.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the dedicated team at Integris Health, including the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute and Baptist Medical Center healthcare team, for their years of compassionate care. Special recognition is given to Dr. Mark Rolfe, Dr. Arslan Ahmad, Ami Perry, APRN, and Alison Perkins, RN, for their exceptional understanding, gentility, and unwavering commitment throughout the years. The family will always remain profoundly thankful for their kindness and support.

The family will receive visitors at Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary at South Lakes, 4000 SW 119th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at the same location on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.