Strazzeri, Richard J.

July 26, 1940 – January 23, 2021

Richard J. Strazzeri passed away peacefully on January 23, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Phyllis Strazzeri, and his brother, Joseph Strazzeri Jr. Richard is survived by his loving wife Virginia Strazzeri (Yeoman); daughters Michele (Michael) Sexsmith and Kristen (William) Kelleher; sister and brother-in-law Deborah and John DiMarco; sister-in-law Gigi (Joseph Jr) Strazzeri; brother-in-law Donald Yeoman; aunt Thelma (Richard) DiLaura; grandchildren Emma and Grace Kelleher, Cameron and Christopher Sexsmith; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Richard also had many lifelong friends. Friends and family that knew Richard well knew that under that initial bark was a huge heart that would do anything for someone in need. The saying “to truly know him was to love him” perfectly describes Richard.

Richard had a long career as an accountant originally taking a job at Xerox. Eventually he started his own business which grew greatly over the years. His business allowed him to make many new friends which he enjoyed. During one of many family dinners, he once was asked for his advice on life and he simply stated “work hard”. He modeled this advice his entire life.

When not working hard to provide for his family, he enjoyed sports of all kinds and when he was a young boy he played on one of the first Baseball Little League teams in Rochester, NY. He continued to love sports throughout his life and in addition to baseball he played basketball, soccer, flag football, racquetball and golf. He also refereed basketball and wheelchair basketball leagues. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports as they grew up and would often travel hours just to catch one of their games.

Richard was the cornerstone of his family and will be greatly missed every day. He was loved by many and his memory and presence will live on in all who truly knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s name to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, New York 14450.


Comments

8 responses to “Strazzeri, Richard J.”

  1. mark florack Avatar
    mark florack

    Kristen, Bill and Family, My sincere condolences at the loss of your loved one.
    I have many fond memories of playing softball with Dick on the old Stormers Xerox Tournament Team.
    He was a great teammate and a wonderful guy.

    1. Kristen Kelleher Avatar
      Kristen Kelleher

      Thank you Mark

  2. Elsie B. Stiggins Avatar
    Elsie B. Stiggins

    Dear Ginny and Family,

    I wish to express my sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your loved one.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

    Treasure the memories……..

    I remember the many trips back/forth to Alfred Tech when we would have a load of passengers from our area.

    Most sincerely,

    Elsie Bushart Stiggins
    Fairport, NY.

  3. Judith Lippa Avatar
    Judith Lippa

    Ginny and family, So very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Lots of memories growing up together on Saratoga Avenue. He always teased me to the point of crying and had a pet nickname for me “Ostrich”. I was a skinny kid and with a long neck! Aside from his teasing we did have a lot of laughs. May your memories bring smiles to all your hearts. Judy

  4. Paula Ludwig Avatar
    Paula Ludwig

    I remember the old Xerox softball league and the fun times we used to have. RIP Richard.

  5. Nancy Jones Avatar
    Nancy Jones

    I am so sorry for your loss. Richard was my tax accountant for many years up to his retirement. He seemed genuinely sorry to leave our relationship. He was always courteous and professional.

  6. Donna (Lusky) Boyce Avatar
    Donna (Lusky) Boyce

    Dear Michele and family I am so very sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Although I only met him a couple of times I remember his sense of humor. We would chat whenever he called the office for you and he would always make me laugh. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Memories are forever. Most sincerely, db

  7. John J Black (Jack) Avatar
    John J Black (Jack)

    Dick and I worked together at Xerox, competed in racquetball, and separately started our income tax preparation and consulting businesses on the same day. Dick had a sharp wit and always enjoyed poking fun. His smartest decision in life was to marry his wonderful Ginny. It was my privilege to know, work and play with Dick. God Bless him and the entire extended Strazzeri family