Richard Anthony Angarola

ANGAROLA, Richard Anthony Went gently into the night on the 7th of July at the Motion Picture Television Fund Home. He was born on September 1, 1920 in Traverse City, Michigan to Anthony Angarola (a celebrated painter) and Marie Ambrosius (a concert pianist). He grew up in Chicago in a home dedicated to artistic excellence. A veteran character actor, Richard was also a cellist, an avid swimmer and a Francophile. His acting career began in the theater. As a young man he joined the Goodman Theater in Chicago and the Peninsula Players at Fish Creek, Wisconsin, where he participated in many productions as a leading man. His theater credits included Heathcliff in "Wuthering Heights", Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet", The Prince in "Ondine" and "Our Lan" on Broadway. His career was put on hold when he served for three years in the Air force during WWII, flying in 52 missions, including D DAY. After the war, he resumed his acting career in New York where he met his first wife, actress Hilda Simms with whom he appeared on the stage. He spent a great part of the 50's living and working in Europe, notably France and England. Returning to the United States, he continued his acting career in the theater in New York until he ultimately moved to Los Angeles in the late 50's when he began his career in film and television. He re-married and had three children, Anthony (deceased in 1990), Richard, and Ondine. He was in over 70 films and TV series, including such classics as Papillon, Jeremiah Johnson, The Valley of the Dolls, Che!, and The Undefeated. His TV credits included Hawaii five-O, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission Impossible, Get Smart, The Rat Patrol and the Twilight Zone. Richard was a man of strong beliefs and values. Loyalty, honor and duty were of utmost importance to him. He was a man of enormous character and strength whose love of family superseded all else in his life. He is remembered amongst his family and friends as being a wonderful storyteller, stories which were all based on what he had experienced in his life and travels. He is survived by his children, Richard and Ondine and his granddaughter Aurelia, his sisters Yvonne, Francis, his brothers Harvey, Robert and many other loving relatives and friends. Richard will be deeply missed by those who loved him, but he will live on forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held on August 16, at 3 p.m, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, The Church of the Hills. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's honor may be made to The Motion Picture Television Fund or the Humane Society.