Uricchio law firm founder killed in motorcycle wreck Monday night

Caring and dedicated is how fellow lawyers described criminal defense attorney Paul “Ricky” Uricchio, who died after a motorcycle wreck late Monday on the Charleston peninsula.

The founder of Uricchio Law Firm lost control of his motorcycle at 11:50 p.m. at Meeting and Jackson streets, Charleston police said.

The motorcycle struck the median and Uricchio was thrown from the bike, police said.

Uricchio, 69, of Charleston, was rushed to Medical University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from blunt trauma, according to Charleston County Deputy Coroner Kimberly Rhoton.

He was not wearing a helmet, police spokesman Charles Francis said.

Police recovered a 9 mm pistol and a hunting knife from the scene of the crash, according to a report.

Uricchio practiced law in Charleston for more than 40 years. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1965 and graduated from USC’s law school in 1970.

He established Uricchio Law Firm in 1993 and was recognized for his extensive knowledge of motorcycles, which he put to use handling motorcycle accident cases and claims.

Attorney Grady Query, his longtime friend and former partner, called Uricchio “a terrific lawyer.”

“The thing that made him a such good lawyer was that he always put the interests of his clients first,” he said. “He truly cared about his clients, and he always tried to do what was best for them.”

Fellow attorney Gedney Howe said Uricchio was well-liked by clients and folks in the legal community. He was a good-natured fellow with a passion for motorcycles, he said.

“He really was a guy who always had a smile on his face,” he said.

His law firm released the following statement late Tuesday:

“The Uricchio family would like to thank the community for their support and prayers during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.”

Christina Elmore contributed to this report.

Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or Twitter.com/glennsmith5.