Richie was a good friend and band mate 
We met in 1999 when he joined my newly 
Formed Blues band in Vernon Ct.  We played charities with the band Blues Deluxe for a few years. I helped him move in to his new lake house that he loved so much. He was a kind
Person and shared some Italian roots with me
Being Italian also. RIP my good friend until I see you again❤️

I will always remember Richie as upbeat, down to earth, warm and engaging.  I don't ever remember a time he wasn't smiling or laughing, and whenever I had the chance to talk with him one on one, he was genuinely engaged and interested.  As a young boy, Richie was  to me the coolest guy you'd meet and he'd give you his time and warmth whether you were 5 or 50.  

Thank you for Vanessa for all you'd been there for.  I'll miss you Richie, holidays will have a missing piece going forward.

Richie,
You were one of a kind — kind-hearted, full of laughter, and always so present. You never just asked how I was doing — you really wanted to know. You made time to sit down, to listen, to celebrate even the smallest things I accomplished, and to make me feel seen and valued. That meant the world to me.
As the years passed, you welcomed Brian into our lives with the same warmth, humor, and generosity that you always showed me. And your love extended to Katelyn and Nicole too — you made them feel important, loved, and proud to be part of our big Italian family. Your presence filled every room with laughter, silly moments, and so much heart.
You were the coolest —One of my favorite memories is when you sang, My Girl, at our wedding. That day was unforgettable, and you were a big part of why it felt so special.
I am honored to have had you as my godfather. And though words will never be enough, I need you to know: you were such an important person in my life.  I will miss seeing you and talking to you. Holidays and family gatherings will not be the same without you Richie!
~Lisa

Dear Vanessa and the entire Fradianni Family, please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences, as well as from my wife Sandy and daughter Bernadette, on the loss of Richie from this world, leaving a giant hole in your lives and one in my heart.

Strangers before, we became buddies on our walk home together from New Britain's Slade Junior High School after a street fight with lunchroom bullies in the fall of 1963.  Our neighborhoods were close enough to share time and interests in CB radios, mechanics, and music.

The latter led us to form the trio that for a few years played birthdays, weddings, New Year's Eve parties, and a couple of nightclubs even at our young ages.  Although our parents never met each other, our mutual Italian heritage provided values for us to appreciate and follow our whole lives.

In '69, it was college for me and the army for Richie, but we reunited after both as apartment mates for a year or so until Georgia weather called to me.  After, we managed occasional meetups followed by the typical holiday/birthday greetings and some phone calls, only to lose touch in these most recent years.

When he asked my opinion, I believed marrying his true love was the best thing Richie could ever do, despite our young man vows to remain single.  I know that it turned out so right for him.

If we could have lived closer I would have truly been more fortunate and by his side whenever he was in need.  Thankfully, I'm sure we'll meet again to catch up on old times.

I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Richie's passing.
We had a special relationship forged by many years in the 1970's. His family and my family were very good friends as well. Richie was pure love and always there for the wounded birds. He will be greatly missed by his family and those who knew him.

So very sorry for your loss. Richie always had a smile that lite up the world. With deepest sympathy, Janet Dinnie

Vanessa, I am so sorry for your loss, gone too soon, to many plans and trips not done….It is rare to have a Friendship lasting over fifty years but I was fortunate to to have one with Richie. We met navigating life after the service, going to the 880 Club for jazz, Mark Anthony’s the Sahboo and Jazz Fesivals and concerts. We enjoyed going to the car races at Watkins Glen and Ct Dragway. We both stated collecting what would be a life time of many cars. Richie enjoyed tinkering and fixing, I more the racer. Along with cars we also got into boating each of us having many over the years. Richie loved going to his favorite beach he called Aruba. He was the most giving and generous person I have ever known. He didn’t  go a week without buying a veteran he just met breakfast or lunch and of course saying to every veteran Thank You For Your Service. Richie became known  as the sea gull guru at Cresent beach. He brought donuts and bread for them  almost daily especially in winter. Richie became Godfather to my dog Duke and loved him dearly spoiling him with treats and going to Aruba beach.  We both will miss you so much!   Love You Brother….. Jim Gervascio and Duke

Venessa,   Please accept our  deepest sympathy to you and your family in the recent passing of Richie.  You are in our thoughts and prayers during your time of sadness.   Hugs from  Laura, Susan, Janie  and June  Moore

Vanessa, I am so sorry to hear that Ritchie has passed. I knew him from work for many years and he was a friendly, upbeat and funny guy. I only have good memories of him.

Again, I send my deepest condolences.

Michele Shea

Dear Vanessa, I am sorry for the loss of Richie, your long life-time partner.  He was a wonderful man with so much personality.   He was outgoing, upbeat, positive and had a great gift of conversation.  He loved life and demonstrated that by his frequent morning walks at the beach nearby.  Richie was gifted in many ways, including having musical talents and playing in a band....I bet he sang love songs to you many times!!!  That was who he was.  He told me once that you are an angel.  I agree.  You shared with me the many adventures you both shared.  
I believe Richie is looking after you while on his new adventure in the spiritual world.  He loved you very much.  God be with you during this transition.  I am praying for you.

Whenever I think of my cousin, the first image that comes to mind is a man patiently listening to someone else and actively trying to understand them rather than someone simply waiting for his turn to speak. It’s one of the finest qualities a person can have, and he always set a valuable example in this respect. I’m sure those closer to him also appreciate his many other wonderful qualities, such as his vitality and how easy he was to be around. I hope it’s not too long before the warm impressions he made overcome the grief over the loss of them.

My ‘big’ (older) cousin was how my Mom referred to Rich.  They shared a love of music. One year he offered to take me to my prom. Imagine how kind that was for him to think of my little high school self. I let him off the hook, but never forgot the example he set in kindness.

It's hard to share a single memory - there were so many good ones. Richie seemed to go through life with a confidence and ease that I always admired. Through the many years of family gatherings he always had a smile, a hug, and a hearty handshake to share. You couldn't help but notice how much he valued his family, his friends, and a good laugh. As a service member, a band member, and a family member he put his heart and soul into everything he loved. To his wife Vanessa, his family, and everyone who loved him, we send our condolences and share in the sorrow of his loss.

OBITUARY

Richard "Richie" John Fradianni

August 6, 1950 – September 6, 2025

D'Esopo Funeral Chapel

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