Richard J. Dragone

Richard J. Dragone, of Waltham, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Miriam Boyd Parlin Hospice Residence in Wayland. He was 84.

Born in Watertown on February 9, 1940, Richie was the beloved son of the late Frank and Lena (Napolitano) Dragone. He grew up in Watertown and proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the supercarrier USS Ranger (CV-61) after graduating from Watertown High School.

After returning from his service, Richie joined the family business, Dragone Cheese in Medford, where he worked his way up to Vice President of Sales. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident throughout his life, as he went on to own and operate Terry’s Auto Salvage, co-founded another family business with his brothers, Giuseppe Cheese, and later established City Check Cashing before retiring in 2022. Richie also served as a board member at Saint Jean’s Credit Union in Lynn for over three decades, including ten years as Board Chairman. He was also a past president of the Medford Kiwanis Club, actively participating for more than thirty years.

Richie had a remarkable ability to connect with people, and his natural problem-solving skills were key to his success. These were driven by his unwavering commitment to providing for his family. Above all, Richie was a devoted family man who selflessly cared for others. He was the person everyone turned to when they needed help. "Call Richie—he’ll know what to do" was a common refrain among family and friends.

In 1961, Richie married the love of his life, Michele “Shelly” Henry, a native of Belmont, at St. Luke's Church in Belmont. They began their family in Watertown before moving to Waltham in 1973, where they have resided ever since. In later years, Richie and Shelly enjoyed spending time at their condo on Singer Island in Florida. An avid sports fisherman, Richie loved taking his boat out from Revere and Gloucester, and he cherished many fishing trips in Florida and the Bahamas. He also had a passion for golf, holding a standing tee time every Saturday for over 20 years with his sons and friends. His most treasured moments, however, were spent with family. For over 30 years, Richie and Shelly hosted Sunday pizza gatherings, welcoming more than 20 family members and friends each week. These joyful gatherings, filled with love and laughter, were among his happiest memories.

Richie was predeceased by his beloved wife, Michele T. "Shelly" (Henry) Dragone.

He is survived by his children: Richard Dragone Jr. and his wife, Michelle, of Waltham; Robert Dragone and his wife, Tricia, of Waltham; Michael Dragone and his wife, Isa, of Marlborough; and Joseph Dragone of Waltham. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Kathy Burnley (Ron), Lauren Keefe (Tim), Robert Dragone (Michelle), Nicole Manolakis (Mark), James, Mia, JoeJoe, and Ryan Dragone; and his great-grandchildren: Emme, Owen, Olivia, and Ava. Richie will be dearly missed by his brothers: Joseph (Mel) of Northborough and Philip Dragone (the late Jean) of Watertown; his sisters: Roberta Stearns (Bill) of Greenville, South Carolina, Rosann Donahue (Robert “Doc”) of Harwich Port, and Audrey Rapallo of Watertown, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Richie’s life at an Evening Wake at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Friday, October 4th, from 4 to 8 p.m. They will gather again on Saturday morning at 9 a.m., before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Saint Patrick's Cemetery, Watertown.

Donations in Richie’s memory can be made to Good Shepherd Community Care at https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate.