Obituary: Richard Frank "Uncle Richie" Graziano, 90, Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

Richard Frank Graziano, 90, Guilford. Affectionately known as “Uncle Richie” to both family and friends, Richard Frank Graziano passed Sunday April 24, 2022 away peacefully after a brief illness. Richard was born and grew up in the Bronx, NY to the late Pasquale and Clorinda Graziano. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William and Robert Graziano, son Joseph Graziano, and niece Clorinda M.L. Graziano. Uncle Richie is survived by his nephew Michael Graziano (Pauline), niece Angela Graziano (Lorraine), his grand-nieces Melissa Graziano and Regina Graziano, and grand-nephew Will Graziano.

During his childhood, he had a strong passion for jazz music and would sneak out of school to see famous jazz musicians during their recording sessions. He was able to meet and hang out with many famous jazz musicians including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Billie Holiday. He also attended rehearsals for Benny Goodman and his band. As a teenager in New York, Richard played alto saxophone with several local jazz bands and then became a professional plasterer like his father.

Richard served in the Korean War as a communications specialist. After the war, he became a member of the Plasterers Union in New York and the Painters and Tapers Union in Stamford, CT. Later in life, he volunteered and used his plastering and taping skills to repair the Monastery of Our Lady of Grace in Guilford.

Mr. Graziano settled in Guilford in 1976 and was a long-time active member of St. George’s Church, reciting the rosary and attending morning mass every day. He tended to the church’s prayer candles and provided flowers to the statue of the Blessed Mother.

Uncle Richie was a fixture at local restaurants The Guilford Gourmet Bagel and Sunny Side Up where he created many lasting friendships. He was a member of The Big Band on the Sound and the George Manstan Big Band. His greatest loves were his family and friends, the Blessed Mother, telling stories, making people laugh, listening to jazz music, and playing his saxophone.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, April 29 from 4 – 7 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St, Guilford on Saturday, April 30 at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow in St. George Cemetery, Hubbard Rd, Guilford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard’s honor may be made to the Monastery of Our Lady of Grace, 11 Race Hill Rd, Guilford, CT 06437.