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Richard C. Gonfrade, 87, a lifelong resident of Framingham, died Wednesday, May 17, 2023, after a period of declining health.  Born in Framingham, the son of the late Charles & Lena (Tosti) Gonfrade, he was the beloved husband of the late, Eleanor M. (Gray) Gonfrade.

A graduate of Framingham High School, Richard was drafted into the Army and stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii where his beloved Ellie joined him to wed, and they started their family there.  After his discharge, they returned to Framingham. He enjoyed a 35 year career in the Carpenters Union as a Master Craftsman. Richard had a keen eye for detail and perfection which propelled his career with the Union.

Richard was an extremely devoted husband, and always put his family first. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, and was skilled at skeet shooting.  A natural green thumb, a skill passed down to him from his father, meant his gardens were always bountiful. A great appreciation for simple Italian farm to table fair reap delicious memories of Ellie and Richard, side by side, putting up bushels of his impressive tomatoes which his family and friends savored year round. He loved his English Setters who became true companions in his later years.

Richard is survived by his children, R. Scott of Wells, ME, Jon David of Nantucket, and Paola also of Nantucket Island, his granddaughter, Kaitlynn Gonfrade, his sister in law, Carolyn Gray, and cousins, Virginia Betti and Yvonne Tuck. Besides his wife Eleanor and his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Sue Ellen Delcourt.

He will be honored and remembered with a private graveside service, and an public memorial to be held at later date.

Arrangements by the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home of Framingham. To share a memory with Richard’s family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com