Obituaries

Richard "Dickie" Fanizzi

06/15/1940 - 08/08/2013

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Obituary For Richard "Dickie" Fanizzi

Richard "Dickie" Fanizzi 73, of Rockland, lost his heroic battle with ALS on August 8th at home surrounded by his loving family.

Dickie was born to the late Mose and Nancy Fanizzi, and was married to the late Gloria Garfield Fanizzi in 1960. He attended Brockton schools and proudly served in the U.S. Army. He was employed for many years at General Dynamics, and later with Consolidated Freightways, St. Johnsberry Trucking and Preston Trucking, as their dispatcher.

He often mentioned that his best retirement job was at Thorney Lea Golf course in Brockton with Peter Norton. He was an avid golfer who truly loved the sport, and was a member of the D.W. Field Golf Club, where he shot two holes in one. Dickie was a faithful Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots' fan. Dickie possessed an outgoing, loving personality, who always left you with a laugh.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Ellen (Densmore) Fanizzi, his daughter Nancy Hersh and husband Lennie of Bridgewater, sons Paul Fanizzi of Provincetown, and Joseph and Laura Fanizzi of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and lost son Michael Fanizzi. He also leaves behind his stepchildren Amy Dobbins and husband Michael of Halifax and Matthew Marian and wife Gina of Dorchester, nine grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Dickie was the brother of the late Joseph Silipo of Brewster, and of the late Phyllis Amonte of Hingham.

The Fanizzi family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate Dickie's life on Sunday August 11, 2013 from 4-7 PM in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St. Rockland. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Bridget's church in Abington on Monrday August 12, 2013 at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass at Pine Hill Cemetery in West Bridgewater. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Foundation will be greatly appreciated.

Services

11 Aug

Visitation

16:00 PM - 19:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »
12 Aug

Interment

Pine Hill Cemetery West Bridgewater West Bridgewater, MA 02379 Get Directions »
12 Aug

Funeral Mass

09:00 AM

St. Bridget's Church 455 Plymouth St Abington, MA Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 05/25/2021

    In my thoughts and prayers

  • 05/25/2021

    Rest in Peace Dickie

  • 05/25/2021

    My dear friend Dickie you will b greatly missed... To the family I have come to know asy second family there are no words to express my sorrowful you all find some peace knowing he is know free of this horrific disease I pray you find comfort in each other and all your beautiful memories... God bless

  • 05/25/2021

    Uncle "Rich" as his nieces and nephews called him will be sorely missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. He was always the "cool" uncle, making sure we saw his new cool vehicles and letting us in on his various adventures, always making sure we were enjoying life to the fullest as he did! Him and Ellen and kids were such an inspiration to all of us during his fight with ALS,as their spirit never let us down. We love you, Uncle Rich, rest in peace!

  • 05/25/2021

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort in all the memories that he left you. Love from Anna and Carmen D'Amelio, (neighbors)

  • 05/25/2021

    I had the opportunity to meet "Dickie" for the first time one year ago when he and his wife Ellen invited me into their home to discuss the eventual funeral, and celebration of Mr. Fanizzi's wonderful life. It was immediately apparent that I was filled in a home filled with love. Despite the nature of Mr. Fanizzi's debilitating condition, there was a gentle warmth, humor, and quick whit that he carried with the upmost dignity. His wife Ellen, had a strength and class about her that I could only hope that I would have in such a trying time. At the conclusion of our meeting I had that feeling that you only get a few times in your life....That feeling when you have met someone truly special. I am proud, and honored to serve the Fanizzi family as their Funeral Director in their time of need. My family's prayers are with you!

  • 05/25/2021

    Our thoughts are with you, Fanizzi family. I remember him always with a smile on his face, warm and friendly, and treating everyone like a long lost friend. Rest in peace, Dickie.

  • 05/25/2021

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Fanizzi family.May you find comfort knowing he is finally at peace. Love Sara, Dave, the Golden and Spinney Family.

  • 05/25/2021

    Our Dickie is now in the light, in heaven and in peace! I am praying for his soul, for Ellen, the family and friends. To know Dickie was to love him. He is one of the most incredible person I've ever met in my life and I am blessed to have known him. Dickie's spirit and smile continues to live and will forever stay in my heart. God bless him and Ellen and their love, which will live forever. Wishing Dickie eternal peace. All my love, always,

  • 05/25/2021

    " I will never forget the first time I met Dickie, how happy he and Ellie were! They were always laughing....Dickie had a contagious smile,that made everyone around him feel good. He fought hard to the end.He is an inspiration to all that were lucky enough to know him. You will be greatly missed . Rest in peace. Love You, Amy Peterson family friend, Rockland Ma.

  • 05/25/2021

    Nancy & family. We are so saddened to hear of Rich's passing. Shining memories of love & laughter you will forever have. Rich was a great guy. He is now in peace.

  • 05/25/2021

    Nancy and Lennie we are so sorry for the loss of your father. He was a great man. We love you both and our thoughts and prayers are with and your family at this sad time.

  • 05/25/2021

    Sharing quotes from Alysha Speer... Laugh, even when you feel too sick or too worn out or tired Smile, even when you are trying not to cry and the tears are blurring your vision Trust, even when your heart begs you not to Sing, even when people stare and your voice is crummy Twirl, even when your mind makes no sense of what you see Frolick, even when you are made fun of Run, even when you feel like you can't run anymore Kiss, even when others are watching And always remember even when the memories pinch at your heart, bring you to tears, our experiences in this world are what makes you the beautiful person you are today. When a brave man faces life's challanges valiantly as Dickie did, the spines of others are often stiffened. With deepest sympathy to all the family, we wish you strength and sweet memories in the weeks and months to come. Joyce & Michael Spirito

  • 05/25/2021

    "Ellen & Family... How very sorry I am for your loss. I remember the first time I met him at Fairway Oaks when I was doing over Auntie Toni's "The Mayor of Fairway Oaks" condo. He came down introduced himself and wanted to know who I was. I worked tirelessly on her unit for a month straight and every time he was around, he'd stop by with his infectious "SMILE" and say "how's it going kid? You still down here working?" We had a lot of good laughs. That's what I will remember the most about Richie...that wonderful smile and how happy he always was. I know now, after watching you go through this struggle with your wonderful husband, how truly blessed he was to have you in his life and for your undying love and support. May he rest in peace knowing how much he was loved by everyone around him. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. I'm sure he's now giving "Auntie Toni" a few more laughs and lots of smiles!" Love, Gina Zaccaro (friend and his real estate agent)

  • 05/25/2021

    Dear Ellen and your family, I am so sad about the passing of your husband and father. But he is finally free of that horrible sickness and enjoying heaven, a place where Dick can smile forever. Dick never had a bad day. He was always so positive, generous, helpful and incredibly likeable. Dick personally helped and supported me. He was so important in getting our condo complex financials turned around. Dick was a blast to play golf with. I'll never forget that swing of his. Keep smiling Dick, because every time I think of you, I do.

  • 05/25/2021

    Ellen - my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I went through this just 3 months ago and I know that right now it's all a blur. It was my pleasure to meet both of you in person after working so long over the phone. Take care of yourself and know that Dickie is looking over you.

  • 05/25/2021

    Dear Paul and the Fanizzi family. So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • 05/25/2021

    Ellen, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

  • 05/25/2021

    Dear Ellen, Paul, Joe, and Nancy, we are so sorry for your loss. I never had a conversation with Uncle Rich in which I didn't laugh, I wish I'd gotten a chance to play a round of golf with him. A true character and all around great guy, he'll be greatly missed.

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