Richard Lewis Frigerio

 

Richard Lewis Frigerio passed away peacefully on October 6, 2023 at the Brandywine Assisted Living Center in Bridgewater, NJ. Richard was born February 19, 1937 to Ezio and Sybilla Frigerio, and grew up in Lyndhurst, New Jersey with his two brothers, Ronald and Robert.

Richard attended Rutgers University where he graduated with a degree in business and many accolades. An avid entrepreneur from the start, Richard opened his own real estate and insurance business at just 24 years old. The company evolved to become Amalgamated General Agencies, Inc. which Richard and his brother Ronald grew into one of the premier insurance agencies of New Jersey, serving countless individuals, companies and municipalities from 1961 until his retirement in 2015.

Nothing in Richard’s life was more important to him than family, and no part of his family brought him more joy than the true love of his life, Frances. Richard and Fran met in 1956 at the National Supermarket in Summit where they both worked as teenagers. They were married in 1959. Richard was a loving and supportive husband, always ready, willing and able to help. They spent 64 beautiful years together, and until the end, Richard’s face still lit up at the sight of Fran.

Richard was a beloved and committed father to his four children, and a kind and fun grandfather to his 10 grandchildren. Around the house he was revered for his ability to remedy anything, which earned him the moniker Richie-Fix-It. This nickname continued to be invoked throughout his life as he remained an apt problem-solver for so many.

Among many accomplishments, Richard’s involvement in the establishment and growth of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Westfield was one that gave him great joy and pride. As one of the four founding members of the Church, he served on the Parish Council for over three decades, including as president for four terms. Holy Trinity and the Orthodox faith remained close to his heart and at the center of his life.

Richard will be remembered for his kind and soft-spoken nature, for his sharp mind and quick wit, and for his generous and giving spirit. Those who knew him recognized him as a truly special man, and he will be missed dearly by many.

Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances Frigerio, his children and their spouses: Karen and Cliff Gilman, Stacey and Sharif Mahdavian, Jason and Erin Frigerio, and Jill and John Turpin and his ten grandchildren: Cliff, Richard, Kate and Mary Gilman. Anastasia, Andrew and Alexander Mahdavian. Eliza and Macey Turpin. Leo Frigerio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memory and Cognitive Health Program at the Princeton Longevity Center.

Richard’s Funeral Liturgy will begin at 11:00AM Wednesday October 11, 2023, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Road, Westfield, NJ. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Westfield. Arrangements by Gray Funeral Home of Westfield. Please go to: www. grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.