Obituary: Frederick (Rick) Raiola, 74, of North Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Frederick (Rick) Raiola left this life during a brief stay at Hartford Hospital on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Born May 22, 1948 in New Haven, CT, Rick was the eldest child of the late Vincent Pepe Raiola and the late Stasia Anna (Rollis) Raiola of Branford.

Rick spent his childhood in the Indian Neck neighborhood of Branford and graduated from Branford High School in 1966 with an emphasis on business. He worked at HARCO, then proudly served in the National Guard during the years of the Vietnam War. A dedicated career followed with the Southern New England Telephone Company for almost 30 years holding various positions in the computer department, Installation & Repair, and facilities assignment, before retiring as a field accountant. He was an avid builder and racer of radio-controlled model boats.

Married for 46 years, he and his wife Terry (Teresa Bilotta) built their lives together in North Branford with their beloved Scottish Terriers. They enjoyed travel and cherished their yearly trips to Rhode Island.

Rick leaves behind his wife, Terry, and siblings Rebecca Raiola-Paul and Joseph Raiola, both of Guilford. He also leaves behind many friends, relatives, nephews, nieces, a great nephew and a great niece. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas Raiola.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 at St. Therese Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Burial will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. Friends may call prior to the Mass from 9:00 – 10:30 at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main ST. Branford, CT 06405.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association @ www.heart.org. Please see his online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com.