Dr. Richard Robert Roccapriore

Dr. Richard Robert Roccapriore (92) passed away peacefully at his home on April 28, 2022. Born on June 7, 1929 in Meriden, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Vitaliano and Josephine (Amato) Roccapriore.

Ritchie was a graduate of Saint Mary's School and Meriden High School, Class of 1948. After graduation, he achieved a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University, Philadelphia. He opened his practice in Meriden, on October 26, 1953 and retired after 56 years working in a profession he dearly loved.

Rich spent many years serving his Meriden community as Chairman of the Board of Health; member of Veterans Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees; President of Kiwanis Club & Lt. Gov. Elect for Div. #22 New England District; Exalted Ruler of BPO Elks Lodge 35; President of Unison Club; Director of the Boy Scouts Council; Director of Boys & Girls Club; member of the Silver City Boxing Club, Eagles Club and Knights of Columbus; served on the Salvation Army Board of Directors; Chairman of the City Beautification Tree Planting Committee and was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. He was a member of the American and CT Podiatric Medical Associations; President of the New Haven Podiatric Medical Association; and volunteered at the St. Paul's Chapel Foot Care Center, located at Ground Zero, NYC; Immaculate Conception Homeless Shelter, Hartford and Beat the Street Community Center, Meriden.

In his youth, Rich enjoyed his time as a professional featherweight boxer, known as Rocky Priore. He loved playing golf, cruising down the CT River in his speed boat, spending family summer vacations on Block Island or camping along the Eastern coastline, traveling with his wife to Europe, Australia, multiple Islands and visiting family across the country. He was a diehard NY Yankees and UCONN Women's basketball fan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Gladys (Bobbi) Roccapriore, his six children and their spouses: Susan Smola, Roy and Christine, Dion and Assunta, Dr. David and Lynn, Lisa and Tim Groves, Ric and Jeanne; along with his 14 grandchildren: Jason and Michelle, Zak and Megan, and Peter Smola; Alexandra and Cassandra Groves; Joshua, Reesa, Samantha, Alexander, Monica, Erin, David, Sara and Evan Roccapriore; and 4 great-granddaughters: Sophia, Taylor, Hanna and Jazmin. He is also survived by his siblings, Sr. Marie Roccapriore and Vito Roccapriore. He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph Claudio, Frank, Joe, Gerry & Vic; his son-in-law, Jim Smola; and his grandson, Dana Roccapriore.

Family and friends may pay their respects at the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450, on Friday, May 6th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 7th at 9 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Campus, 109 Goodwill Avenue, Meriden. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be in Saint Sebastian Cemetery, 75 Meriden Rd., Rockfall, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Roccapriore's memory to the Meriden Boys and Girls Club, 15 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT 06451 or Beat the Street Community Center, 121 So Colony St., Meriden, CT 06450. For online condolences please visit jferryfh.com.