Richard F Minelli

Torrington- Richard F. Minelli, 80, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was the beloved husband of Lorraine F. (Mascetti) Minelli.

        Richie was born in Torrington on November 20, 1944, son of the late Felix and Lucy (Marciano) Minelli, and had been a lifelong Torrington resident. He was a retired Foreman of Maintenance and Equipment for the Metropolitan District Commission of Connecticut, retiring with 39 years of service. After his retirement, he worked the next twenty years as a driver for Northwest Transit Authority. Richie was a Communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church of St. John Paul the Great Parish, Torrington. He was a member of the Torrington Fish and Game Club, and loved a good card game with his many friends. Most of all, he enjoyed vacationing and spending time with his family.

        Survivors, in addition to his wife, Lorraine, include two daughters, Wendy E. Mathieu and her husband, Dan, and Jennifer L. Minelli-Wootton and her husband, Duane, all of Torrington; four grandchildren, Lindsey Mathieu, Charlie Mathieu, Catherine Wootton, and Joseph Wootton, and many special nieces and nephews. Mr. Minelli was predeceased by a brother, Felix “Sonny” Minelli; and three sisters, Carmella Schaller, Josephine Mainella, and Dolores Pretak.

        The family would like to give special thanks to his nieces Janice and Donna who provided a crucial role in his comfort and care and his nephew and “best friend” John who was a constant presence in his life. The family is forever grateful for the care and support given by Dr. Victor Chang and special nurse Carrie at Torrington Smilow Cancer Care Center and Dr. Bradley Rosenberg for his years of compassion and kindness.

        A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 160 Main St., Torrington. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Torrington. Friends may call Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00p.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington.

        At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smilow Cancer Center, 200 Kennedy Dr., Torrington, CT 06790 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).

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