Support the Richard Perini Affordable Housing Fund

Hello, we are Rick's family and we have set up "The Richard Perini Affordable Housing Fund" to provide much needed funds to organizations that create affordable housing in Massachusetts.

We do so to continue the important work that Rick and many others have done to increase opportunities for people to live and thrive in their communities.

On Wednesday October 9, 2024, our beloved and cherished husband, father and Nonno, Richard “Rick” Anthony Perini, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep. Rick was born on September 19, 1946, growing up in Ridgefield, Connecticut with his parents Elda and Pasquale, and sister Gloria, surrounded by a vibrant Italian immigrant community.

When anyone thinks of Rick Perini, they immediately think of his smile.

Rick had a bright outlook on life from an early age and loved playing sports and participating in school theater productions. In 1964, after graduating from Ridgefield High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country in the early days of the Vietnam War until he was wounded after rescuing fellow soldiers from the battlefield. He was sent to Hanscom Air Force Base to recuperate, earning 2 bronze stars in recognition of his actions. During this time, he met the love of his life, Mary, and in 1967, they married and started their more than 56 year journey together creating a family that was a source of so much love, support and pride.

He worked as a hardware engineer at ComputerVision and Digital Equipment Corporation early in his career, eventually transitioning to a long career in the construction industry earning vast certifications and gaining expertise that he loved to teach to others.

His four daughters, Stephanie, Gina, Tamara and Emily, were his greatest pride and joy. He loved nothing more than to spend time with them and their beautiful families. He valued education and emboldened his daughters and grandchildren to take every advantage to educate themselves, work hard, and be ambitious in their life goals.

Indeed, he modeled these principles in his tremendous work ethic and spirit – always looking to the future and persevering through obstacles in his path with his signature smile.

Laughter and good food always surrounded Rick, and he loved cooking delicious meals and gathering around the table with family and friends. No family event was complete without Nonno's famous meatballs.

To all that knew him, Rick was a gregarious and warm person who had a natural gift to connect with people on a special level. Making fast friends wherever he went. At work, he was “Papa” to many as he was truly empathetic and caring of all of those who came into contact with him.

When Rick wasn’t working, he loved to travel to warm places where he could enjoy the sun, and to take care of his lawn and flower gardens. He was a passionate advocate for affordable housing, serving on the Groton, MA Affordable Housing Trust and the Housing Partnership.

Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Daley) Perini, his daughters, Stephanie Perini-Hegarty and her husband Richard Hegarty, Gina Perini and her husband Peter Benedict, Tamara Perini, Emily Perini and her husband Christopher O’Reilly, as well as his grandchildren Katelyn Hegarty-Bildirici and her husband Baran Bildirici, Maura Hegarty, Luke Benedict, Owen Benedict, Gianna Perini, Julia Perini, Lorenzo O’Reilly, Neve O’Reilly, and Vincent O’Reilly, and his honorary grandchildren Maeve Hegarty, Kevin Hegarty and Connor Hegarty. He also had many beloved nieces and nephews, and loving friends.

The true measure of a person is the legacy they leave, and Rick left a legacy of love and laughter that extends far and wide to everyone who knew him. The world is a better place because Rick Perini lived.