Americo "Rico" Poliseno

Americo "Rico" Poliseno, builder and owner of The Englewood Resort in West Yarmouth since 1964, passed away at home after a courageous fight with his illness.

He was born in Brockton on March 5, 1923, to Amato and Emilia Poliseno. After graduating from Brockton High School he served with the Army during World War II, from 1941 to 1945, and was with the 1st Battery of Rangers. He served on a front in Africa and in the Invasion of Anzio. Rico's unit received Meritorious Service Unit Citations. Rico had a deep love for his country and proudly wore his World War II cap. Rico was admired for his open and generous heart and amazing ability to work.

He was the beloved husband of Janice (Sis) Poliseno for 37 years. He is survived by his son, Ronald Poliseno and his wife Ann of Brockton. He is predeceased by his son, William Poliseno; their late mother; his brothers, Saverio (Sammy) Amundo; and sister, Gloria. Rico is survived by his sister, Rose Piver; his brothers, Carmen and his wife Theresa, Roland and his wife Jeanne, and Albert and his wife Page; his stepchildren, Dianna Hildredth and her husband Jeffrey, Robert and his wife Mary, Michael and his wife Lynne, and David Silva. He loved and enjoyed all his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and all the families and friends who came to The Englewood year after year.

Rico could always be found working on the roof of The Englewood or fearlessly hanging from a ladder, repairing whatever had to done. Rico was a man of his word who accepted a strong handshake as commitment to his word. Rico had a quick wit and an infectious smile that impacted everyone he met. Rico was a sensitive and generous man and this inspired his close friends, all dressed in festive Christmas attire, to sing Christmas carols to him outside his room on a cold wintery night.

Rico was a talented baseball player who played shortstop. Rico played for the Old Colony League, St. Coleman's, and later, the Braga Club. He played in the City League for the Blue Eagles Social Club for many years, and was a member of the American Legion and the Blue Eagles Social Club. He owned Drew Tanning of Brockton.

As a builder, Rico built many fine homes in Brockton and on Cape Cod. After the tragic fire of the Grand Old Englewood Hotel in West Yarmouth, Rico built The Englewood Hotel and Motor Inn and always operated it as a "Ma & Pa" operation.

In 1980, Rico and Sis moved ahead into the future by renovating the property into condominiums. Rico served on the oversight committee for the town of Yarmouth for many years, and was a well-known visitor to town hall.

Rico has stayed close to his many friends in the Brockton area and has a legion of friends on Cape Cod. Rico and Sis have been active and devoted members of St. Francis Xavier Parish, serving on many committees. His death has made strong men cry. He will be greatly missed by all.

A funeral will form on Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, at 9:30 a.m., in the Doane, Beal and Ames Funeral Home, 160 W. Main St., Hyannis. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Francis Xavier Church, South Street, Hyannis, MA. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Brockton. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, from 4 to 8 p.m., in the funeral home. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. John Paul High School, 120 High School Road, Hyannis, MA 02601.