Richard Capalucci

Richard (Richie) Joseph Capalucci, 90, loving husband of the late Donna Capalucci and longtime resident of Ashland, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23.

Born in Framingham, he was the son of late Negrina (Uva) and Oto Capalucci and brother to the late Tony Capalucci and Rena Galluzzo.

After graduation from Framingham High School in 1952, Richie joined the United States Army and served honorably in the Korean War from 1953-55. Upon completion of his service, Richie returned to Framingham and founded Suburban Masonry Corp. with his partner and friend, the late Anton Zwang. Together they served the Metrowest community for over 50 years as master masons.

In 1955, Richie married Dandola Rossetti, an Italian immigrant who stole his heart in high school. They settled on Woodland Road in Ashland, where they resided for over 60 years and raised their seven children: the late Jean Daly (Edward) of Holliston, Maria Rossini (Paul) of Holliston, Richard Capalucci Jr. of Marlborough, Nancy Antonio (Paul) of Framingham, Joan Phillips (Paul) of Nokomis, Florida, Paul Capalucci (Kara) of Upton, and Christine Gillis (Lawrence III) of Ashland. Richie became better known as “Nonno” to his cherished grandchildren Andrea, Elizabeth, Paul, Elyse, Michael, Chelsea, Erica, Jessica, Angela, Jake, Anthony, Samantha, Erin, Jenny, Jackie, Larry, Natalie, Julia and Matthew, and great grandchildren Nora and Emma. Richie and Donna also enjoyed spending time at their vacation home in Brewster, returning to Donna’s birthplace in Cansano, Italy, and family camping with the Zwang family.

In addition to cherishing his family, Richie stayed close with his childhood friend, the late Charlie Lupis. They’d often take joy rides in Charlie’s Cadillac, returning home laughing like mischievous teenagers.

Richie proudly attended the sporting events of his grandchildren, especially those at Ashland High, where the coaches, players and parents spoiled him with front row seating, high-fives, hugs and home-baked treats. Ever the socializer, he eagerly attended Ashland Day, the Farmer’s Market and the Boston Marathon, and often enjoyed good conversation and a cold beer at TJ’s.

A consummate foodie, Richie would spend hours on his trips to Market Basket, strolling the aisles and befriending the deli staff, who would often save the choicest prosciutto cuts for him. He loved a generous sprinkle of hot pepper on his pasta and homemade “ciambotta,” always “getting a kick” out of his children’s lesser stamina. His passion for gardening, mushroom-picking and wine-making became a family affair. Whether planting tomatoes, pressing the Zinfandel grapes or scavenging sometimes-suspect mushrooms, it was always a production that also provided endless belly-laughing Richie stories.

His priorities were simple: family, work and enjoying life. He was so proud of his family and his own achievements as a mason so when his children moved out and bought their own homes, he gifted each of them with brick fireplaces, concrete walkways, stone walls and fieldstone patios, often adding his own signature touch.

In his later years, Richie was blessed to spend his days enjoying daily family visits while he resided happily at Fairview Senior Living in Hopkinton. He will be hugely missed, but the memories of his love and contagious laughter will sustain all of us in the days to come.

Public calling hours will be on Thursday, March 2, from 5-7 p.m. at Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main Street, Ashland.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, March 3, at 11 a.m. in St. Tarcisius Parish, 561 Waverly Street, Framingham, with burial to follow in St. Tarcisius Cemetery in Framingham.

Donations in Richard’s name may be made to the Ashland VFW Post 2331, 311 Pleasant Street, Ashland, MA 01721.

We kindly request all attendees use COVID-conscious protocols and please refrain from attendance if you are symptomatic or have a known risk of exposure.

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