Richard "Dick" Pagliarini

Richard “Dick” Pagliarini died at his home surrounded by family at the age of 86 on March 12th, 2025. He was born on March 30th, 1938 to Joseph and Mildred Pagliarini (O’Connell) and was the younger brother to the late Faith Piluk (Pagliarini). Dick married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Pagliarini (Palumbo) on November 8th, 1958. They were married for 67 years.

Dick was proud of his Italian-Irish heritage. His grandfather, Raymond Pagliarini, was the first Pagliarini to immigrate to the United States from Pontecorvo, Italy. Dick’s sister, Faith, once stated that he had one of the best gardens in Cranston, known for the plentiful vegetables and grapes grown to make wine. Dick’s love for cooking started his career at Twin Oaks as a chef— a restaurant that has been a staple in Cranston for decades and conveniently located down from where he grew up on Sabra Street. His mother, Mildred Pagliarini, who was trademarked by her humor and red hair, instilled a love for community and family in Dick. Known as the “Diablo Rouge”— which translates to “Red Devil”— Dick took after his mother in looks and sarcasm.

In the early years of their marriage, Dick and Elaine won several certificates as Hilltoppers square dancers. Dick and Elaine were also champions in a bowling league— a love of which they passed down to their son, Joseph Pagliarini, and their grandchildren. Dick was a competitive Scrabble and Gin Rummy player. He often spoke fondly of his high school years playing football and hockey for Cranston East High School. He loved driving around in his 1950s Chevy. During his years in the U.S. Army, he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and he cherished the opportunity to entertain his children and grandchildren with stories of his time there.

Dick loved to host people at his house. He was famous for his snail salad and potato salad. His recipes were nearly impossible to replicate because it was all done from memory and never written down. Dick and Elaine maintained a thriving garden, much like his grandfather’s. In his final years, he loved to sit on the porch swing near his garden. His boisterous spirit was remarkable and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Pagliarini of 67 years, his late son Joseph Pagliarini and late daughter-in-law Elisa Pagliarini, his daughter Beth Carroccia and late son-in-law Rick Carroccia, his daughter Amy and Owen Blanco, and his grandchildren, the late Victoria, Christopher, Richard, Lauren, Thomas, Alexandra, Adam, Ross, Sofia, and Caleb. He has 14 great-grandchildren. There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeHealth Hospice and Palliative Care RI, 1085 N Main St., Providence, RI 02904.