Richard Prescott D'Onofrio

1937 - 2022

Richard Prescott D'Onofrio, 84

Dateline: Mansfield, MA

Richard Prescott D'Onofrio, age 84, of Mansfield, MA, and formerly of Hyde Park, MA, passed away peacefully at Beth Israel hospital on March 4, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Boston, MA on August 5, 1937, he was the loving son of the late Prescott D'Onofrio and Ellen (Blue) D'Onofrio and was predeceased by brothers Ronald D'Onofrio and John D'Onofrio.

Richard grew up in the South End neighborhood of Boston, MA forming friendships that would endure his entire life. He was a graduate of Brighton High School, Class of 1955. Upon graduating, he joined the United States Air Force where he began fostering and applying his skills in technology to the defense of this country that he loved so much. After his honorable discharge from the USAF, Richard continued his education and was a proud graduate of the Franklin Institute of Boston (ASEE, 61), Tufts University (BSEE, 66) and Boston State College (M.Ed., 74).

Richard's professional life started where it all began, in the South End of Boston. Growing up across the street from the Franklin Institute of Boston, Richard decided to return to the college, accepting the position of Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology. He would later go on to serve as Professor and Head of the Electrical Engineering Technology Department, the Dean of Faculty, and finally as President of the Institute. After his retirement, he would continue to proudly serve the Institute as President Emeritus. Richard also held many titles and performed many roles in a variety of professional organizations including the American Society for Engineering Education, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and was appointed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the chairman of the Occupational Education Commission. His love for teaching extended far beyond the classroom walls.

Civic engagement was also very important to Richard. After moving to Mansfield with his wife Ginetta and children in 1977, Richard served on the Mansfield Board of Selectman and as Treasurer of the Republican Town Committee. He was most proud of his involvement with St. Mary's Church in Mansfield where he served on the Parish Pastoral Council and worked coordinating Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. He was honored to receive the distinguished Marian Medal in 2007 for his service to the Diocese of Fall River.

More than anything, Richard loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved camping, watching movies, listening to classical music, debating politics, and just being with the people that he loved most. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, and friend. He was a kind and compassionate man. His love was felt so strongly by all of us and the life lessons that he taught will live in our hearts and minds forever.

Richard was predeceased by his first wife Ginetta (D'Angelo) D'Onofrio to whom he was married to for 40 years until the time of her death, and his second wife Virginia (Temple/Mitchell) D'Onofrio to whom he was married to for 20 years until the time of her death just two weeks ago. Richard is survived by his devoted children: Richard P. D'Onofrio Jr and his wife Joanne of Norton, and his daughter Jean M. Fitzpatrick and her late husband Joseph J. Fitzpatrick of Norton. He leaves his five cherished grandchildren: Brittany L. Precourt and her husband Nick, Thomas W. Durden III and his wife Jenn, Brooke E. Durden, Katie M. D'Onofrio, and Richie P D'Onofrio as well as his great-grandchildren Kaia, Valentina, Ayla, and Nora as well as many nieces and nephews. Richard is also survived by Virginia's children Linda M. Shackford and her husband Josh, the late Daniel K. Mitchell and his wife Patricia, and Donna R. Leonardo and her husband Vincent, as well as the extended Mitchell family.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, March 10th from 5:00-8:00pm at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield, MA.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 11th at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Mary's Church, 330 Pratt Street, (Route106), Mansfield. Burial with military honors will follow at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Mansfield.

Donations in memory of Richard P. D'Onofrio may be sent to the New England Center and Home and For Veterans, 17 Court St, Boston, MA 02108 or by visiting https://www.nechv.org/donations/tribute-giving/.

To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson