Richard Fossali

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Rich believed his life's purpose was to bring laughter to everyone he met. Nothing made him happier than making others laugh—it was his greatest joy and the gift he shared so generously throughout his life.

Born in New York City on December 15, 1945, Rich held a lifelong love for the city where he grew up and where he met the love of his life, Vera Catalano. They fell in love immediately and shared more than 60 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

At the age of 20, newly married and with a baby on the way, Rich was deployed to Vietnam, where he served for one year as a Supply Administrator. He spoke of his military service with quiet pride and courage, facing future health challenges with the same resilience, treating them as little more than inconveniences.

Rich was an ambitious entrepreneur who was never content to stand still. His career spanned many industries and reflected his enthusiasm for new opportunities. He began in advertising and marketing in New York City before owning his own advertising agency. Later, he fulfilled his dream of owning Maria's Italian Restaurant and a Cold Stone Creamery franchise. After relocating to Georgia, he dedicated many years of service as a Service Advisor at Saturn of Marietta and later Buick GMC, where he built lasting relationships with customers and coworkers alike.

Rich's life was grounded in his faith and his family. He was a proud and devoted parishioner of Transfiguration Catholic Church, faithfully attending weekly Mass, serving as a Knight of Columbus, hosting annual Christmas dinners, and spending one hour each week in Eucharistic Adoration for many years. He cherished traveling on cruises, playing Hearts and poker with friends, and, above all else, spending time with his family.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Vera; his sons, Rick and Robert (Susanne); his grandchildren, Jordan, Michael, Matthew, Nicholas, Michael, Samantha, Jared, and Nathan; and his two great-grandchildren, Lewis and George.

In accordance with Rich's wishes, this is not a time for sorrow but for celebration. He believed that Christians should rejoice in the journey to Heaven, and so we celebrate a life beautifully and faithfully lived.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on what would have been Rich and Vera's 60th wedding anniversary, Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 1815 Blackwell Road, Marietta, Georgia. A reception will immediately follow in the church Social Hall. The Mass will also be livestreamed on the Transfiguration Catholic Church YouTube channel beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Rich will be laid to rest with military honors at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. sharp.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Rich's great-grandson, George Grimm. https://events.cff.org/2026WIGALA

We raise a glass of his favorite brandy to a man who made every moment an experience and every gathering brighter with his humor, generosity, and love.

As Rich so often wrote to Vera:

Miss you. Love you.