In the past week of Richard's life he reported seeing family members who had passed away. The family suspected that he was getting ready to pass over, being welcomed by those who had gone before him. 

St. Patrick's Day was a very special day this year. It was the day Richard decided to pass over. St Patrick's Day was his father's favorite holiday. It was also the time when another family member had passed away. When the day approached, his daughters believed that if he choose to pass over that day, it would be a sign, a confirmation, that Richard was in fact in heaven with family. And he did. He took his last couple of breaths that morning. He left very peacefully and surrounded by family.  

Richard's life was certainly full of adventures. He had a good life and wouldn't regret any of it. He will be missed. We love you always and forever!

Living a quieter lifestyle at home Richard was often surrounded by women. His daughter Montina moved in to help around the house in 2008, followed by his sister-in-law, Marsha, who joined the family residence in 2010. Marsha and Richard became wheelchair bound buddies, taking motorized walks together. During the weekends and holidays his daughters, Debbie, Lynda, and Jennie would come over to visit and bring the grandkids.

Richard's friends would often visit to give him some much needed guy time. Fred and Roy were regular visitors and so was a neighbor from across the street, Jeff. Jeff came to visit daily to see if Sharon needed any help around the house. He would fix little things that Richard was no longer able to do. He and Richard had long chats and Jeff shared what he enjoyed with his family, putting puzzles together. It was a fun activity the whole family could partake in. 

Doing puzzles became the center of family gatherings. Jeff and Richard worked a 500-1200 piece puzzle during the day, Sharon, Montie and Marsha would chip in at night, and the his girls, Debbie, Lynda, and Jennie on the weekend. It was a lot of fun to watch a puzzle near completion without having to do it all yourself.

Richard had a knack for analyzing puzzles, knowing where a piece belonged before picking it up to place it. Jeff always saved that last piece of the puzzle for Richard. The puzzle wasn't done until Richard put the last piece in. He was like that in Sharon's life, he completed her.

Richard and Sharon were both reveared as wonderful employers. They took very good care of their employees, treating them as if they were a part of the family. They would gather for the holidays, watch ball games together, and hang out after work shooting the breeze. 

Richard business associates often became his best friends. This was the case with Fred, a wonderful long time friend for over 30 years from back east. Fred and Richard saw each other through many of life's ups and downs. Fred and his wife, Lilian, moved to Arizona. They have stayed in touch, visiting frequently, and sharing tidings of good cheer. Fred would dish it back as good as Richard could serve it up. They kept the family in stiches laughing.

Another long time friend is Roy. Roy began as an employee and quickly became part of the family. He and his wife, Kelly, have also been good friends, and visited frequently. They have been a source of strength and humor, even after Richard and Sharon retired, and will continue to be so for years to come. 

Richard was a wonderful mentor to those who worked for him. Richard has two wonderful son-in-laws, both of whom worked for him then ventured out and began their own businesses. Many of his employees and clients have stayed in touch after retirement and the close of business. He will be remembered by many.

Richard proudly served in the Navy (4 yrs), the Airforce (16 yrs), and was a Vietnam veteran.

He grew up, got married and had children in New Bedford, Mass. He owned four restaurants called Richard's Ark, Casa Bandito, Jolly Jim's and I forgot the name of the other one. 

He and his family moved to Tucson, AZ where he became a Real Estate Broker. He began another business called Painters for Hire, had a friendly divorce, and met the love of his life, Sharon and got married. He gained a son and another daughter. 

Richard and Sharon began two more businesses, Artistic Nail Supplies and New Tech Furnishings. 

Richard has lost many loved ones over the years. He lost family, friends, customers, and comarades in war, yet his attitude remained jovial. He was an inspiration to many.