Obituary of Francesco J. Richichi

Francesco J. Richichi November 14, 1913 - April 30, 2007 Francesco J. "Frank" Richichi, age 93, a life long Danbury area resident, died on Monday, April 30, 2007 at Danbury Hospital. He was the husband of the late Mary A. DelMonte. Frank was born in Danbury on November 14, 1913 a son of the late Francesco and Guiseppa (Rocco) Richichi. He was raised in Danbury and was the sole proprietor of the East End Garage from 1935-1941. Frank served in World War II in the Army Air Corps then was in the Army Air Corp Reserve from 1945-1948. Mr. Richichi was a Firefighter for the City of Danbury from 1951 until his retirement as Chief Mechanic in 1978; he worked at the Locust Ave., Ives St., and New St. firehouse locations. Frank was a volunteer firefighter for the Water Witch Hose Co. in Danbury. He was a Sergeant in the Danbury Fair Police Department and was also a Pinkerton Policeman in the K-9 Unit. He was a member of the Danbury Association of Retired Firefighters and had the distinction of being the oldest retired firefighter in Danbury. He was a member of the Fire Dept. Union Local #801. An active member of the community, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, Post 149 , the Catholic War Veterans Post 1042, the Moose Lodge #1373, Hat City Woodcarvers, and a member of the Danbury Chapter of AARP #3340. Frank was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11913. He was a founding parishioner of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church in Brookfield; he created many of the stained glass windows in the church and in the chapel. Besides his interest in stained glass art, Frank's other hobbies included ceramics and wood carving. The hobby that he most enjoyed was restoring old cars; Frank was a car owner and Past President of the Southern New York Racing Assoc. at Danbury Race Arena. He was also the crew chief for car #58. Frank is survived by a son: Wayne F. and his wife Patricia of Danbury; a daughter with whom he made his home: Nancy R. Keane and her husband, John, Sr. of Brookfield; 3 grandchildren: Stacey Richichi, Craig Richichi, and John J. Keane, Jr. He was predeceased by his first wife: Madelyn Mongillo who died during their first year of marriage. He was also predeceased by 2 brothers: Benjamin and Paul and his sister, Catherine Eyes. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 11:00AM at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, Brookfield. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 4, 2007 from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St., Danbury. Donations Information Memorial Contributions in Frank's name may be made to: Danbury Firefighters Local Union 801 for Connecticut Children's Burn Camp, in care of New St. Fire Station, 29 New St. Danbury, CT. 06810 or to the Danbury Hospital Development Fund, Dialysis Unit, 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury, CT. 06810.