About Us The History of the Ricci Family... Ricci Lumber was founded on October 31, 1956 by general contractor and real estate developer, Erminio Ricci and his son and partner, Robert "Bud" Ricci, Sr. Born in Italy in 1903, Erminio became enchanted with Portsmouth, NH from stories that his railroad worker father told him during his visits to America. "Papa Ricci", as Erminio was affectionately called by friends and family alike, immigrated in 1920, and quickly settled in Portsmouth. He and his wife, Anna, were determined to succeed in America.