"Our thoughts are with Richard's family and friends at this sad time."
In loving memory of
Richard P. Christiano
March 20, 1985 - December 12, 2021
Some may say Richard was a thoughtful and caring person, many would say he was a hero. His death was unexpected, and his life will be remembered by him putting the needs of others before himself. Richard was a brilliant, sensitive, spiritual, and private man. He loved to read, play his guitar, and work out. He was a lover of animals and reptiles. Surprisingly, as a child he was afraid of dogs. His parents, Patrick and Patricia eventually decided to take a chance with a cock-a-poo named Boomer. This little dog changed Richard's outlook on animals and the rest was history.
As a child born in the mid-eighties, he grew up loving movies like Goonies and Pee Wee's Big Adventure, two of his favorites. Favorite TV shows were Alf, Full House, Mr. Belvedere, and I Love Lucy. Richard was also a fan of mafia movies, always at the ready with a quote from Goodfellas or My Cousin Vinny.
He read about astrology and mythology, loved playing Scrabble and Aggravation with Uncle Jay, Aunt Lori and Grandma. In contrast, his musical choices leaned toward hard rock and heavy metal!
He grew up with his foster brother, Scott. They went to school, played baseball and video games together. He also had three sisters, Jennifer, Katherine and Nicole, who probably helped form him into the sensitive guy he was. In school he was once given an award for best humor.
Richard was lucky as a kid to experience the thrill of going to Disney and as a teenager often enjoyed the Thousand Islands. His favorite trips were with his dad to Yankee stadium and Fenway Park. As an adult, Richard worked in food service and later in independent living and eldercare. He found he loved working with the elderly but wasn't afraid to challenge new ways of thinking with them!
Richard will be remembered for his humor, sincerity and sensitivity and will be missed by all those who were touched by his life.
GREECE - Died heroically, December 12, 2021. Richard is survived by his mother, Pat Christiano; father, Patrick (Terri Granger-Christiano) Christiano; siblings, Jen (Matt Laux) Christiano, Kate (Andrew) Papastefan & Nicole Christiano; nephew, Anthony Christiano; Godson/nephew Leo Christiano; niece, Charlie Papastefan; aunts, uncles, cousins & dear friends.
Richard's life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 & Long Pond Rd.), Sunday, December 19th, 1-4 PM. His funeral service will be celebrated Monday, December 20th, 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Interment to follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Humane Society@Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Fairport, NY 14450.
Tributes
"Rich your sister Katie talked about growing up with you I want to talk about you as a man how good you were at your job and how much the residents loved you You were given world war two medals and many rosaries You were patient and one resident showed you his pictures from the War every day cause He would forget he showed you Life wasn't easy for you and You overcame many obstacles but you were disciplined with achieving your goals Always sensitive even though no one can aggravate you as much as I did I love you so much Rich and I will never accept that you are gone Mom "
"Ritchie I will never forget the last time I saw you...you looked healthy and happy and so very proud of yourself..it was a long road for you and I still tell people how you looked so different I would have walked right past you but you were so proud of the effort you put in ...I'm glad you didn't let me walk by you....it was the last time we spoke...and saving your mom from the fire didn't surprise me... your heart has always been larger than life and you proved it... I always knew you had heart...I remember taking you fishing when you were 10 maybe younger .. but when it started raining you wanted to keep fishing...I had to carry you to the car to get you out of the rain. We will all miss you... and will never forget the boy that grew up to be a good Man. Uncle Michael"
"Deepest sympathy . Richard will be truly missed at Ashley Woods, his attention to detail, his great work ethics but most of all his love for the residents. It was an everyday occurrence to see him engage with residents and they loved him. We are all so sadden by this loss and we miss him everyday."
"Patrick and Pat- Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord comfort you with his Peace and Love. We pray that Richie now finds his peace."
"Richie, So glad Aunt Pat and I had one last chance to catch up with you at a Red Wings game a little while back...You and your family will always have a special place, filled with love, deep in our hearts...God Rest Your Soul. Uncle Frank and Aunt Pat, Mary, Joey, and Jon Gacioch"
"Richie, Bobby & I truly value all the time you spent with us a few years back. Playing guitar, laughing & talking. Thank you for being not only our cousin, but also our friend. A lot of our friends at the gym got to meet you and know how intelligent you were on so many topics. From Bobby, C-Lo & I we miss you and will never forget our good times together "
"I am so sorry for all of your loss! You are all in my prayers and thoughts in this trying time! Please find comfort in knowing he no longer struggles with his demons, and is eternally happy! I hope Ramell was there to greet him with open arms! Someday we will all reunite and our suffering will come to an end. To Patricia, losing a child is the hardest thing we ever will have to survive in our lives, I am so sorry you have to endure this pain! "
"Richie. The memory that stands out to me the most is- my marriage ceremony. You were in a "dark" place during that time. Yet you showed up, even though it was difficult for you... because you knew it meant a lot to me, and you respect me. I can't thank you enough for that. I always enjoyed talking to you about different/weird spiritual practices, that nobody else really understand or appreciated, like you. It brings me peace to know you are with Grandma, Uncle Jay, and Uncle Joe. Your mind is finally at peace. "
"Richie, I'm so sorry I didn't get a chance to say good bye. I always knew your heart was in the right place. I remember the last time I was with you. You looked so amazing and had been exercising, eating healthy and very proud of yourself. I was sure to tell you how proud I was too and that the hard work had paid off. We had such a nice visit . We will all miss you very much. I just want you to know how much we love you. Aunt Nina & Uncle Dick"
"Richie - It doesn't surprise me to hear you died heroically. I have always known you to have a huge heart for all living creatures - it's what I will always remember and admire about you. Taken from us way too early. I know you'll be watching out for all creatures great and small where you are. My love always, your cousin, Liz"
"Richie, I can?t believe you were taken from us so young. I have been reminiscing the last few days and have been remembering the stuff we did together over the years. We have had some fun on our trips together and going to ball games, playing Madden together years ago, playing music together and oh yeah, how about the GWAR concert we went to? I am so proud you left us as a hero. By getting your mom out of the fire at her house was truly an amazing feat. You saved your moms life. We will all miss you and remember you fondly. I know your are happy with your grandparents, your uncle John and of course Oscar! Rest In Peace Rich. ~ Dad"