Richard Anthony "Rich" Morgera

1945 - 2023

Richard Anthony Morgera "Rich", 77, passed away on April 19, 2023 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA after a brief illness. He was born August 13, 1945 in Revere, MA, son of the late Frank Morgera Sr. and Mary (Brachanow) Morgera.

Rich grew up in East Boston, MA and was one of three children in his family. He was a proud graduate of the Thompson Academy living on the island in Boston Harbor for 6 years. Throughout his life, he had enjoyed the sport of football and played for the football team at Thompson Academy. He also earned an associate degree from ITT Technical Institute in automotive technology and he later attended Bunker Hill Community College. Rich served his country proudly in the United States Army.

Professionally, Rich loved to drive so he owned and operated a cab company. He especially enjoyed driving the New Hampshire & Maine coastline and teaching his grandchildren to drive.

In the early 1980's while working at K-Mart in Somerville, Rich met the love of his life, Diane Dinucci and a relationship blossomed. On July 28, 1984, Rich and Diane were married. A year later they moved to Stratham and have resided there ever since. Not long after they arrived in Stratham, his son Peter became involved with the Stratham Volunteer Fire Department and the Stratham Fair. Peter recruited his parents and soon Rich and Diane were volunteering at the Fair for many years,

Rich's main occupation in life was as a teacher. He started at ITT Technical Institute in Chelsea, MA where he was a Senior Chief instructor. He later became a Trainer/Teacher for different companies including Matco Tools. He also travelled all over the country training franchisees. Rich really enjoyed working with young people, so in his retirement he drove a school bus (P-9) in Portsmouth, NH.

Rich enjoyed taking care of his large yard. He was into bird and wildlife management as he had bird feeders everywhere and was very knowledgeable about the feeding seasons of many species of birds, including Orioles, Hummingbirds and his favorite: the Puffin. Rich and Diane loved travelling, especially around the coast of Maine where often they could be found on Vinal Haven taking boating trips to see the Puffins. Rich was also a gifted auto mechanic. He had the skill to listen to the sound of an engine and be able to diagnose the problem, which he also taught his son Tom. He was very fond of going to Rochester's Sky haven airport to spend time with his son Tom at the T Aviation Hangar, or to various restaurants where his son Michael was head Chef.

Rich was a longtime fan of the Indianapolis Colts as he was a loyal fan of Johnnie Unitas. Rich's sons were New England Patriots fans and many a pizza was bought by the losing team fan (usually Dad) on the outcome of their matchups.

In addition to his parents, sadly Rich was predeceased by his son, Airman First Class Peter J. Morgera who died in 1996 from a terrorist attack in Saudia Arabia. He was also predeceased by his two brothers, Charles Morgera and Frank Morgera Jr, and his cousin and best friend Kenny Umbro.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane D. Morgera, son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Kristen Morgera, son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Virginia "Ginny" Morgera, their children, Devin, Madison, Peter II, Thomas Jr., Julianna, Catherine "Nova", & their niece, Renee. Rich was also survived by extended family members including many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 25 at 1PM at the Stratham Volunteer Fire Department Peter Morgera Community Room, 4 Winnicutt Road, Stratham, NH.

Burial will be in the Maple Lane Cemetery, Stratham, NH in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Stratham Volunteer Fire Department, 4 Winnicutt Rd., Stratham, NH 03885.

For more information, please visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com