Holden – Richard Angelo (“Dick”) Guagnini passed away peacefully at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester on Monday, February 5, 2024 – his 85th birthday – after a long illness. Richard is blessed to be back in the loving, angelic arms of his wife Gloria, who left us ten months ago in April 2023.
Richard leaves behind daughter Lisa Williamson and her husband Peter of Coventry, CT; daughter Cheryl Holden and her partner Daniel Fontes of Marlborough; son Brian and his wife Elaine of Shrewsbury; daughter Stacey Willman and her husband Jeffrey of Rutland; grandchildren Joshua Williamson, Joseph Williamson, Jessica (Williamson) Santos and her husband Paul, Roger Holden, Cody Willman, Tanner Willman, Emma Guagnini, Kate Guagnini, Bayley Willman; and great-granddaughter Quinton Rose Santos. Richard also leaves behind many close friends near and far, including his dear relatives Laura, Salvatore and Lawrence Santino of Staten Island, NY; Brad Guagnini of Signal Mountain, TN; his Godchild Debbie Cuniglio of Babylon, NY; Chris Guagnini of Mamaroneck, NY; and Roger A. Holden of Shrewsbury.
Richard was born on February 5, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York to his late parents Angelo and Maria (Cebrelli) Guagnini. After graduating from Fairfield University in 1959, Richard married Gloria Dagradi, the love of his life, and they were married for nearly 63 years.
Richard served as a sharpshooter in the U.S. Army from 1959-1964 and began working at Dun & Bradstreet in 1962. Following several moves in New York, Dick and Gloria raised their family in Westborough for 27 years. From 1991-1994, Richard co-operated ‘Green Monster Memorabilia’ in downtown Westborough with his daughter Cheryl and son Brian, realizing a dream of turning an enjoyable hobby into a successful business. Upon retiring from Dun & Bradstreet in 1995, Dick and Gloria moved to Cotuit, MA, where they remained until 2014, when they relocated to Holden, MA to be closer to family.
Richard was a devoted son, husband and father who always had your back. He was fiercely loyal to his friends and family and was always there for anyone who needed advice on just about anything. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, playing golf, grilling, following the Patriots and Red Sox, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. So many fond memories were made from his many visits to Italy with Gloria, his children and grandchildren. “Dick” played in the Westborough Men’s Softball League for many years; it is believed he pitched the only WMSL no-hitter ever – and lost, 1-0!
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 10:00 am at Saint Luke The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Westborough, MA, with interment to follow at Saint Luke’s Cemetery.
Richard’s children would like to thank the entire staff at Artisan at Hudson and the handful of in-home caregivers who cared for Richard in his final year; especially Savannah Garceau, who became a close friend and special ‘angel’ as his health declined. Moreover, our gratitude to all the friends and family near and far who prayed for Richard is boundless. He fought with grace and courage and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
