Richard Donald Famiglietti

Richard “Dick” Donald Famiglietti, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Briarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Needham, Massachusetts, with his devoted wife, Ellen, by his side.

Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on November 12, 1935, Dick was the son of the late Pasquale "Patsy" and Marjorie (Doane) Famiglietti. He was raised in Walpole, where he developed a lifelong love for sports. A talented athlete, Dick excelled in hockey at Walpole High School.

Following in the footsteps of his father and uncles, Dick enlisted in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, honorably serving 42 years. He attended Bridgton Academy and American International College while working in the construction industry where he developed a passion for building with his hands. This led him to join the Carpenters Union, Local 328, in Dorchester, where he worked for decades as a licensed master carpenter and contractor, contributing to countless projects throughout the region.

On May 19, 1962, Dick married the love of his life, Ellen J. McCauley, at Saint Peter's Church in Dorchester. Together, they made their home in Walpole, where they raised four children. Dick was a devoted husband and father who always put family first, but his generosity and good humor extended to anyone he met. The home they built was welcoming and open to all and became the center for family gatherings.

As their children grew, Dick focused on supporting his family and creating lasting memories. He had a lifelong passion for skiing, which he shared with their children through annual trips to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. These ski trips became a cherished tradition, eventually including grandchildren and their friends. Other memorable family vacations included visits to Prince Edward Island, Disney World, and a special trip to Virginia Beach to celebrate Dick and Ellen’s 50th wedding anniversary.

When not with the family, Dick enjoyed day tripping and travelling with Ellen, Together, they cruised to Alaska and Bermuda, traveled to Ireland and around the United States. Closer to home, they made cherished yearly trips to Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine for the Christmas lighting and Kelly’s Roast beef in Revere on their Anniversary. In later years, they enjoyed walks along the Cape Cod Canal, hot dogs at Sullivan’s on Castle Island, and attending the many grandchildren’s sporting events.

Dick’s passion for skiing remained strong well into his seventies, including many years of service with the Blue Hill Ski Patrol. Even after his official retirement from the carpenters union, he continued working until the age of 86—a true testament to his work ethic and dedication.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Ellen J. (McCauley) Famiglietti; his children: Cheryl A. Connolly and her husband Darryl of Mansfield, Lynn M. Burns and her husband Kevin of Sutton, Brian D. Famiglietti of Walpole, and Shawn T. Famiglietti and his wife Jennifer of Walpole.

He was the cherished grandfather of Amanda Millman and her husband Ryan, Michael Connolly and his wife Kristen, Jennifer Daly and her husband Roger, William "Billy" Burns and his wife Kerry, Nicholas Famiglietti, T.J. Famiglietti, Megan Famiglietti, Anthony Famiglietti, and the late Frank Famiglietti; and proud great-grandfather of Millie Daly, Callie Grace Millman, and Baby Girl Connolly expected soon.

He is also survived by his siblings: Robert Famiglietti of Walpole, Ronald Famiglietti of Colorado, and Carol Levinson of Texas. He was predeceased by his sisters Constance Allen and Marjorie Orlando, and is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Dick’s visitation on Friday, November 7th from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at Saint Timothy’s Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood. Interment will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dick’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at www.stjude.org.