WESTFIELD: Richard J. Braccialarghe, 73, (1947-2021) passed away on January 28 at Baystate Medical
Center. Richie was born in Holyoke MA, the beloved son of Pasquale and Adele (Wojcik). He graduated from Springfield Trade High School in 1966, and worked at American Bosch. He loved cars and car racing. Drafted into the Army, he served a tour in Vietnam, returning home in 1969. Shortly thereafter, he married and raised 2 children in Wilbraham. A talented carpenter, Richie operated Braccialarghe Construction and beautifully remodeled scores of local homes, bars and restaurants. He loved trips to Boston, the Cape and Florida. He was soft spoken and kind hearted and always willing to help friends and family. He loved Klondike bars, winning at board games, and he cooked amazing chicken cutlets. He loved his children and grandchildren and encouraged them in all of their endeavors.
Richie leaves behind his loving partner of 15 years, Sue Gregory; his daughter Carla Johnson, her former husband Ben, and their four children Oliver, Eleanor, Leo and Rosalie of Barre, VT; his son Matthew, his wife Heather (Dennis) and their two children Sophia and David, of Rockland, MA; and his older brother Frankie, of Springfield.
A service and burial will take place at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 2PM. Attendees should plan to wear masks and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the American Heart Association.
