Folsom Funeral Service

Trani, Richard

Richard Daniel Trani, known as “Rick”, age 66, a long term resident of Dedham, passed away on Thursday, July 23 in the Pittsburgh VA Hospital after an extended illness.  He was born in December 1953 to his parents, Frank Trani and Mary (Puzzanghera) Trani, in Chelsea, MA.  Rick graduated from Dedham High School in 1971 and he later earned an Associates Degree from Massasoit Community College.  He married Astra Strautin in 2000.  Rick is survived by his wife, as well as his sister, Loretta Giunta and her husband Louis and brother Frank Trani and his wife Corinne, all of Dedham as well as his nephews; Frank Russo and his wife Michelle and Jonathan Russo and his wife Sheree, niece Danielle Russo-Perez and her husband Mauricio, as well as nine grandnieces and grandnephews.  He was predeceased by both parents.  Rick is also survived by his mother-in-law, three brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law along with many members of the extended Strautin family.  Rick considered himself a native of Dedham, but as a child he traveled abroad with his family while his father served in the Navy in locations such as Singapore and Iceland; despite his adventures in exotic parts of the world, he always wanted to come home to Dedham.  His father’s example led him to enlist in the Navy when he was 21 and he served in the submarine service for three years. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he worked with his family’s bakery business, but later, launched out into his own landscaping business, showing wonderful skills as he worked to beautify the yards of his customers. His family was a very important thing to him, as he enjoyed talking to his sister over a cup of coffee, or going on errands with his brother.  Rick also loved the ocean and the many activities associated with the water, and in particular, his love of fishing was something he enjoyed sharing with, and teaching to others.  He had a great heart for veterans, and that led him to proudly volunteer at the VA Hospital in Jamaica Plain in recent years, and to go swimming with his VA buddies at the Brockton VA Hospital.  It was a heart break for him when these activities stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  With his wife, Rick was a member of Fellowship Bible Church in Dedham for many years and out of his love for Jesus, he wanted to serve his church in any way he could.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 4 to 8PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St., Dedham.  (Masks are required)  His funeral service will be on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 10AM at Fellowship Bible Church, 47 Milton St., Dedham.  For those unable to attend the service may watch the service on Zoom, # 264-966-3673.  Interment will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Guestbook Entries

  1. Mary Peak
    July 29th, 2020 | 11:00 am

    Dear Rick, it was 3 years this July when you first started Volunteering here at JP. You made a lot of friends because of your extraordinary kindness. You’ll be missed by your fellow Veterans, who you always helped so much, and by Visitors and staff who came to rely on you. May you rest in eternal peace, your job here is done our friend.

  2. Ben Tieso, Jr.
    July 31st, 2020 | 9:13 am

    Rick,
    We had a wonderful 3 years together helping our fellow veterans navigate the hall of the Jamaica Plain Veterans Hospital. I will miss you. Rest in peace.

  3. Judy (Weston) Gintner
    August 1st, 2020 | 1:51 pm

    Astra,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s comfort and strength during this difficult time. Lean on Him and you will never walk alone. His grace is sufficient for all things!

  4. August 3rd, 2020 | 9:02 am

    Dear Astrid,
    I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband, Rick. I was not lucky enough to have known him. From everything I’ve read about him, I certainly missed out. He must have been quite a guy. Knowing you however, I am saddened that anyone as generous of heart and light of spirit is suffering right now. You are a beacon of light for the children you see and a fierce advocate for those most in need. You kinda brighten the halls with your smile for us teachers, too! There is no one I respect more.
    May your memories bring you comfort and may you find solace in those that value you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Amy

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Folsom Funeral Service

Folsom Funeral Service