Richard Joseph Colvario, 77

Richard Joseph Colvario, aged 77 years of Franklin, MA, formerly of Walpole, MA, and the North End of Boston, passed away on June 11, 2024, after a brief illness. Richard was born on July 7, 1946, to Melinda (Millie) Del’Orfano and Pasquale Colvario in Boston’s North End. Richard graduated from Boston Latin School ’65, Northeastern University ‘70, ’76 M.Ed.

Richard taught in the Boston Public Schools and went on to work for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Private Industry, and Retired from the Boston Public School Department. He was a lifelong educator, teaching at the college level at Northeastern University, Boston University, and Bunker Hill Community College, where he most recently taught students computer programming and database architecture through the pandemic into this past spring.

Richard was a beloved and devoted husband to his wife, Kathryn Tisei Colvario, for over 49 happy years. He was the best father to his two sons, Patrick and Dennis. He welcomed Daisy Dallmeyer as his Daughter-in-law when she married Patrick, whom he loved like his own. Dick loved his Nieces and Nephews and their families; Emily Tisei Moscol, Elizabeth Tisei Roberts, Maria Tisei, Fiona Tisei Fitzgerald, and Gina Colvario Krupka. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Maureen Tisei, Joanne Tisei, Ralph Tisei, Nancy Mahoney Tisei, Richard Tisei, and his cousins Ed ( Bobby) Grabowski and Frank Colvario. Richie was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Colvario, his niece, Diane Colvario Van Meter, his sister-in-law, Virginia Tisei, and his cherished nephew, Liam Tisei Fitzgerald.

Richard was an enthusiastic lifelong athlete who loved football, basketball, and golf. He was an avid home cook and loved hosting family functions, particularly Christmas Eve Dinner, the Feast of the Seven Fishes. He was a proud member of the Friends of the North End. The causes that were important to him are too numerous to list. He was generous with his time and resources.

He was known by many names: Baby Fat, Rocky, Richie, Cousin, Professor, Neighbor, Friend, Coach, Dick, Uncle, Dad, Old Man, and Daddo.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held in the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury, on Monday, June 17, from 3:00 to 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Holy Name Church 1689 Centre St. West Roxbury, on Tuesday, June 18, at 10:00am. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.