Richard Arthur Molinari

Like seashells scattered on a shore, love is a collection of precious moments, each one unique and cherished.

As a second generation American and middle child, Richard came from a fine line of Italian and Polish men and women. From Brooklyn, New York, the family moved to Miami, Florida, where he was the playmate and guardian of his little sister, Barbara, and agreed with oldest brother, Frank, on who was the spoiled one of the family. So many memories of fun at Florida beaches, trips back to New York, pre-dawn Christmases, playing pirate, having pet rooster races, practicing with bow and arrow and violin and, later, giving scooter rides to his sister for her ballet lessons. He played football at Coral Gables High School, joined the Pershing Rifles, and would later study at the University of Miami. Being left-handed, gave him a unique penmanship.

Hard-working in the building industry, he began as Director of Design & Customer Relations for Heftler Homes in Miami, Florida, and then moved to drafting surveys and made the transition from hand-drawn plans to computer-generated plans. He retired as an Engineering Tech in July, 2023, from a Garner, NC engineering & surveying company, RWK.

He loved reading Clive Cussler novels, playing golf, and, for well over a decade, he helped care for our mother, who had dementia. BUT, most of all, he loved being a father to Scott and Donna and would light up when talking about them and their children, his grandchildren. Though not a man of many words, his love ran deep and constant. Richard was an observant, insightful man with a wry sense of humor that would make eyes twinkle. He never shared his troubles, not wanting to burden others.

In a lot of ways, he was like St. Joseph, to whom he had a special devotion – contemplatively silent, a tireless worker in the building trade like the carpenter, and an upright guardian of those entrusted to his care.

To paraphrase a quote from Nicholas Sparks’ novel, The Notebook, “There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved [others] with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.”

Zawsze i na Zawsze … Sempre e per Sempre … Always and Forever

Funeral Liturgy: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 (Feast of St. Joseph & 1st Day of Spring) 10 AM Sacred Heart Church – 200 Hillsborough Street – Raleigh, NC 27603 (no bathroom facilities)

In lieu of flowers: Donation can be made to Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral for the Door Fund – 219 W. Edenton Street – Raleigh, NC 27603 (This is one of his sister’s ministries that helps people struggling with past due rents and eviction notices)

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