Richard Ralph D'Italia, age 78 Of Woburn, passed away early Sunday morning, February 3rd, after battling a long illness.
He was born August 9, 1934 in East Boston. A gifted pianist at an early age, he attended the New England Conservatory of Music where he studied music theory. After graduating from East Boston High School, he served two years in the armed forces as an Army private and would eventually become an inside sales representative for General Electric, dedicating upwards of thirty five years to the company.
Keeping with his passion for piano, Dick performed in numerous venues and nightclubs in the Greater Boston area. He was the choir director at St. Tarcisius Parish in Framingham and for St. John's Chrysostom of West Roxbury where he played the organ until his retirement three years ago.
Dick was an avid traveler, a wonderful conversationalist and an enthusiast of great Italian cuisine.
Dick was the devoted father of Cheryl Frias, and her husband Carlos of Reading. Loving grandfather of Kyle, Nicholas & Caitlin. Brother of the late Anna Soriano, Nancy Marinelli, Salvatore D'Italia & Robert D'Italia. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the McLaughlin-Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St. WOBURN, Thursday February 7th at 10 AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St. Reading at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday 4 thru 8.
Services will conclude with burial at Wood End Cemetery, Reading.