Mr. Richard Dominick Franzese, 78, of Charlotte, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Atrium Health Pineville.
Richie was born on March 21, 1947 in Queens, New York to Dominick L. and Lucille C. Franzese.
Richie was a true hard working, self-motivated business man who owned several small businesses throughout his life. Whether he was running his childhood paper route, making and selling Carvel Ice cream at his and Merry's New York Franchise, or making the best Italian food in Charlotte through the beloved Carlos Restaurant, he was always nourishing those around him with food, life advice or sports facts. Richie's lifelong obsession with sports and in particular being a diehard New York Yankees fan was something anyone who met him would know within their first conversation. Every spring the hopes of capturing another pennant in their storied history was what Richie would be talking about while watching the players train and resume the annual chase for October. His greatest love was of course his wife, Merry. Their love of dancing and music brought them together and they continued dancing to Motown and Sinatra until the end. Richie never met a stranger and was known as an understanding and kind family man. He will be remembered for his compassion for others, being a good listener, and for being a devoted friend. He is already immeasurably missed.
Richie is preceded in death by his parents, Dominick and Lucille, his father and mother in law, Mr. Armando and Honey Lamas, and his niece, Christine Garone.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Merry, his son Cristofer (Roger), daughter Alexis Hanson (Steven), granddaughters Amie Jane and Magnolia Honey, and his sisters Bonita and Susan.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday April 26th, from 10:00 - 10:50 AM with a Service at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home, Weddington Chapel, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive,
Matthews, NC, 28104.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in Richie's name should be made to Levine Cancer Institute at: AtriumHealthFoundation.org
Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home, Weddington Chapel. An online guestbook is available at www.heritagecares.com