Former Natick Resident Richard Balzarini Dies at 98

The following is courtesy of John Everett & Sons Funeral Home.

Richard Mario “Dick” Balzarini, 98, a longtime resident of Natick and Leesburg, Florida, died peacefully at the Atria Westchase Assisted Living Community in Houston, Texas on September 24. He was the beloved husband of the late Alda A. (Martinelli) Balzarini, who died in 1986. Richard was the devoted father of Maria A. Balzarini of Houston, Texas, and cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his brothers Frank and Victor Balzarini, both of Natick.

Richard was born on January 10, 1914 in Allston to the late Ernesto and Maria (Ardizzoia) Balzarini. He was raised in Natick, graduated from Natick High School in 1932, and studied music and business administration at Beacon College in Wellesley. Richard was employed as an accountant at the United Shoe Machinery Corporation in Boston before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1942. He honorably served in the European and Asia-Pacific Theaters during World War II and was recalled to serve in the Korean War and honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. Richard married Alda Martinelli, of Natick, in 1948 and the couple settled in Natick to raise their daughter, Maria. Following his retirement from United Shoe in 1974, Richard worked at Lechmere in Framingham for over ten years. After Alda’s death, he moved to Florida and enjoyed twenty years of retirement in the Sunshine State. At age 95, and in declining health, Richard moved to Houston to be closer to Maria. While in Houston he received many hours of loving care from the staff at Atria Westchase Assisted Living Community.

Richard was a talented musician who played violin, viola, clarinet, and piano. He played in many string quartets and in the Marine Band. He was an avid golfer and bowler, an exceptional dancer, and a gifted storyteller. A devout Catholic, Richard was a long-time usher and member of the Legion of Mary at St. Patrick’s Church in Natick. He was a life member of the Natick Elks and Leesburg, Florida American Legion, and held the position of Chaplain in both organizations. Richard will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Special love and gratitude is extended to the staffs at Atria Westchase Assisted Living Community and Always Best Care Senior Services in Houston, Texas.

Visiting hours for family and friends are on Friday, September 28 at the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 29 at 10 a.m. at nearby Saint Patrick’s Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery. Donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Sons of Mary Missionary Society, 567 Salem End Road, Framingham, MA 01702.