Profile Image
Richard J. Magazu
December 12, 2022

Obituary

Richard Joseph Magazu, 48, died unexpectedly on Monday, December 12, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Tara L. Illiano, of Sudbury; the treasured father of Spencer J. and Christopher J. Magazu, of Sudbury; and the cherished son of Richard C. and Kathleen (Charest) Magazu, of Newton.

Born on September 15, 1974, Richard grew up in Newton, graduating from Newton North High School in 1993. He worked for many years as a mechanic at several car dealerships, including Frost Motors, in Newton, where he spent more than a decade specializing in Cadillac repairs. When his sons were young, he focused full time on taking care of them and their home. He loved spending time with his boys and sharing their interests, which ranged from skiing and sailing to knife-making and computer-building to raising chickens in their backyard coop. He was an exceptional role model to his Spencer and Christopher, as well, always happy to volunteer his time and talents. He served for years as their elementary school’s field day coordinator, for example, and devoted countless hours to their fourth-grade food pantry projects. When the boys were at summer camp each year, he was busy building things that would enrich their lives at home—loft beds, rabbit and reptile habitats, a backyard fort like no other. When together, he shared his love of cars with both boys, clocking many hours tinkering with Spencer on his first car as well as constructing any contraption or invention Christopher could envision. Year round, he worked tirelessly to make “home” a very special place to be.

His quiet generosity was endless. When friends (or friends of friends) needed help with anything—fixing their cars, cutting fallen trees, repairing appliances, painting their homes or businesses—Richard was there, tools in hand, skills at the ready. Even his favorite hobby, bicycling, was enjoyed in service of others. After his cousin Jennifer was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, he began riding his bike each year in the Bike MS Series to raise money for MS research. Most recently, he joined the Chiseling Lou’s team, riding 175 miles from Quincy to Provincetown over two days.

Over the past 20 years, Richard discovered his love of travel. The first time he flew in a plane, he jumped out of it—skydiving with his wife—and from there he was hooked on adventure. With his family, he explored Italy, Costa Rica, The Netherlands, Spain, and various corners of the U.S. He thoroughly enjoyed their trip to a dude ranch out West and their many spring break vacations to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, where he loved biking, swimming, and spending time with the people he loved.

Richard is deeply, deeply missed by Tara, Spencer, and Christopher; his parents, Richard and Kathleen; his brother Steve C. Magazu and his wife Rhonda, of West Newton; his brother Gregory Magazu, of Nashua, New Hampshire; his sister, Lisa M. Magazu, of Newtonville; his mother- and father-in-law, Waneta and Luigi Illiano, of Sudbury; his brother-in-law Richard Illiano and his wife Erika Dercautan Illiano, of Sudbury; his brother-in-law Louie Illiano and Katy Langdell, of Bethel, VT; his dear nephew, Stevie Magazu and nieces, Meira, Evelyn, and Alice Illiano; his cousins Michelle and Jennifer Soderburg, of Salem, New Hampshire; and many other cousins, aunts, and uncles across the extended Magazu and Illiano families.

Memorial visitations will be held on Sunday. December 18, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (off Rte 30), Wayland.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Richard’s memory may be sent to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – www.nationalmssociety.org/donate - which was a charity close to his heart.

Content is coming soon...
John C. Bryant Funeral Home
56 Pemberton Road
Wayland, MA 01778
508-653-4220