Mr. Richard F. LoVecchio

UTICA/FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – Mr. Richard F. LoVecchio, age 79, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, after a brief unforeseen illness, surrounded by his entire family, who provided him with much love and comfort. Richard was born in Utica on November 20, 1944, the son of the late Rose (Palmisano) Janak. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1962 and the State University of New York, 1973. On February 25, 1966, he married the former Phyllis A. Colucci. The pair were well suited for one another, and they were often considered a comedy act. They were old school, with traditional values and a solid love… They shared 58 years together filled with many wonderful memories. Richard found employment with IBM for over 30 years prior to his retirement, a position which enabled him to travel to various locations around the country, working on corporate/commercial real estate and construction acquisitions. Subsequently, he became the Sole Proprietor of Lichtman’s Wine and Liquor, for the last 25 years. The life he lived was the result of his hard work. Richard’s greatest traits were his hard work, honesty, and integrity. He not only exemplified these standards himself, but also instilled them in his children and grandchildren. Richard loved the time he spent with his family, enjoying deep and meaningful conversations, often speaking over one another. He loved sharing stories of his own upbringing, filled with wisdom and guidance. Sunday dinners, holidays, and traditions with his loved ones were paramount in his life. Richard was a longtime member of the Social Athletic Club. He was also an avid golfer, playing year-round while participating in several leagues, always striving for his best game. He made some great friends on the fairways that joined in his passion. In Utica he had an exceptionally close group of friends in the Tuesday Night Dinner Group. He also looked forward to card games in Florida with friends, as a way of sharing laughter with a drink and cigar in hand. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; son and daughter-in-law, Dominick and Mary LoVecchio; daughter, Lynne LoVecchio-Freeman; grandchildren, Jack LoVecchio, Katherine LoVecchio, Corinne LoVecchio; Kelsey and Luke Mooney, Zachary Freeman, Mark Freeman; Abaigeal Matson, Reed Matson, and Ellie Matson. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; his brother-in-law, Thomas Colucci; and a multitude of friendships. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Earl Janak. He was additionally predeceased by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carm (Colucci) and Joseph “Joe” Graziano. The family will honor and commemorate his life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Richard’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Richard’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital online at www.stjude.org/give or the Wounded Warrior Project online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Richard F. LoVecchio

November 20, 1944 - April 6, 2024