Richard B. Ventura, Sr.

Richard Ventura’s family would easily agree he was the backbone of his family. ‘Dad, Papa, Mr. V, Dick (by his coworkers), Rich, Richard or Uncle Rich,’ he was beloved by many and will be dearly missed. 

He died Monday, September 2, 2024 at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington after complications from a massive heart attack at home a couple of weeks ago. Rich was 86. 

Richard B. Ventura Sr. was born April 19, 1938 in Medford, a son of the late Benedict and Antoinette (Leone) Ventura. He graduated from Somerville High School with the class of 1955 and later earned his Bachelor’s degree from Boston University. He married the love of his life, Malden native Diane L. Fitzgerald, in her native parish church Immaculate Conception on April 18, 1965. A year later they moved to Waltham which became their lifelong home. 

He was a much loved and respected worker and colleague at LaCava Associates in Waltham and worked as a property manager for many of their properties over his 60 years of employment. It was fitting that he was still working up until the day he went to the hospital.

His family was always proud of their guy, and those who knew him thought of him as a kind man and a true gentleman. While easily recognized by his prominent stature, it was his enormous heart that stood out the most. Any family member easily brought a smile to his face, and his joy and excitement was infectious at family gatherings. Papa loved a game of cards with his grandchildren with some sports on in the background, time spent with the entire family at Linger Longer Beach in Brewster, and big meals on any holiday that he shared with his family. As he once said, “Home isn’t where you are, it’s who you’re with.” Indeed, he gave his family a special home all the years of his life providing love, friendship, and guidance. 

In addition to his wife of 59 years, Diane, he leaves his children, Richard B. Ventura, Jr. (Kristine ‘Krissy’) of Newburyport, John E. Ventura (Deanna ‘Dee-Dee’) of Waltham and Dena A. Ventura of Waltham; his grandchildren, Courtney, Ben and Ashley Ventura, Justin Ventura (Amanda), Shawn and Matthew Ventura; his sisters, Lucille Wandell (Charles) of Coconut Creek, Florida, Evelyn Marasa (late Richard) of Waltham and the late Annette Annese (late Anthony); his sisters-in-law, Judith Maguire of Rhode Island and Carol Fitzgerald of Reading; and lifelong friends, William and Beverly Harron of North Andover and Robert Daley of Tewksbury; he is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Richard’s life by gathering for an evening wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, September 5th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.