Richard J. Garofalo

1948 - 2026

Richard J. Garofalo, “aka Chicalini” 77 of Rome passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 15th, 2026. He was born in Rome, NY on August 23, 1948, son of the late Angelo and Caroline Mungari Garofalo.  Richard attended Rome City Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1966.

He got his permanent nickname, “Chicalini” while playing with the Palisades Hotel Softball Team.  When he was younger, he enjoyed billiards and was taught by the best, his cousin Blade Garofalo.  He was a huge fan of Syracuse Football, Basketball, and the Buffalo Bills.  One of his favorite events was The World Series of Bocce.  He enjoyed many years of Bocce and passed that love down to his daughter Lisa.  Richard adored his family and always carried a smile with him wherever he went. 

He proudly served his country, enlisting in the Air Force in 1967 and earning an honorable discharge in 1971.  He was a security police specialist in which he guarded missile fields, nuclear weapons, and numerous aircraft.  Richard worked at Griffiss Air Force Base from 1974 until 1991.  Upon Griffiss closing, he worked for Rome Laboratory until his retirement in 2007.

On May 10, 1975, he was united in marriage to Elvera Ritchie at St. John The Baptist Church. They spent 50 wonderful years together. 

 He is survived by his wife Elvera, loving daughter Lisa Curtis, son in law Erick Curtis and cherished Grandson Brendon.  A sister Theresa Holmes and nephew Ed Holmes. Also, nephews, Anthony, Michael, and Mark Ritchie.  Richard had several cousins and good friends that he loved spending time with. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the EMT’s, Rome Fire Department, and Rome Hospital Emergency Department for their exceptional care. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick Street, Rome. The family will receive friends at the Church following Mass. There are no calling hours. Private burial will be held in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to Humane Society of Rome, Inc., PO Box 4572, Rome, NY  13442-4572.

Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome, N.Y. 13440.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.