Obituary of Richard Fiorini

Richard Fiorini, 75, of Rome, NY passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2023.  Born October 14, 1947, he was a son of the late Gerald and Loretta Fortini Fiorini.

Rick graduated from RFA in 1965, and completed his degree at Harford Jr College in BelAire, MD. He was employed as a Developmental Aide at Central NY DSO for 38 years where he served as union steward and delegate.  His dedicated service continued as Councilman for the first ward in the City of Rome from 1981 to 1990.  Through his efforts many improvements were made to this community.  Once retired, Rick owned and operated Big Bear Lawn Care. This became his hobby and fulfilled his dedication to hard work and commitment.  

Rick was united in marriage to Mary Jo Guelfi on September 25, 1970.  He was incredibly proud of the family life they created.  Especially, their weekly Friday night pizza party and Sunday morning brunch.

Rick was an outdoorsman, he was an active hunter, a member of the Greenway Verona Mills Fish and Game Club, Trenton Fish and Game Club, NRA and Mohawk Beagle Club.  He also enjoyed coffee each morning with friends fondly referred to as “papa and his gang of old dudes” where his unique sense of humor was always in full bloom. 

Rick is survived by his beloved wife Mary Jo; his cherished daughters and son in laws, Melissa and Rich Ferrucci and Amanda and Frank Pacicca; treasured grandchildren R.J.(Soleil), Liliana ,Gracie, Joe, and Dominic; brother Gerald (Frances) Fiorini; sister Roberta “Bobbie” (Clif) Furedy, Virginia Beach; sisters in law, Nancy (William) Cingranelli, Barbara (Ronald) Barber, Lisa (Roger) Quick, FL and three brothers in law, George Guelfi, FL, Joseph (Michelle) Guelfi, CA, and David Losowski and much loved extended family members Jeff, Laurie and Avery Pabis, Stew Rood, and Marcus (Sarah) Coleman along with cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.  Rick was predeceased by his parents Gerald and Loretta Fiorini, his in-laws Joseph and Joan Strong Guelfi and sister-in-law, Lori Guelfi Losowski.

Rick’s family would like to acknowledge the nursing staff at Upstate Medical Center, Cardiopulmonary ICU 8F for their dedication and loving care as well as the Siegenthaler Center, New Hartford, NY.

Friends and family are invited to call 4:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Strong-Burns and Spock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome, NY 13440. A funeral service will take place at St. John the Baptist Church at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Interment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery.

Donations in Rick’s honor may be sent to the Siegenthaler Center, Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413.