Richard J. "Chicalini" Garofalo

1948 ~ 2026Richard J. Garofalo, "aka Chicalini", 77, of Rome, passed away, unexpectedly, on Sunday, March 15, 2026.He was born in Rome, NY, on August 23, 1948, son of the late Angelo and Caroline Mungari Garofalo. Richard attended Rome City Schools and was a graduate with the Class of 1966.He got his permanent nickname, "Chicalini" while playing with the Palisades Hotel Softball Team. When he was younger, he enjoyed billiards and was taught by the best, his cousin Blade Garofalo. He was a huge fan of Syracuse Football, Basketball and the Buffalo Bills. One of his favorite events was The World Series of Bocce. He enjoyed many years of Bocce and passed that love down to his daughter, Lisa.Richard adored his family and always carried a smile with him wherever he went. He proudly served his country, enlisting in the Air Force in 1967 and earning an honorable discharge in 1971. He was a security police specialist in which he guarded missile fields, nuclear weapons and numerous aircraft. Richard worked at Griffiss Air Force Base from 1974 until 1991. Upon Griffiss' closing, he worked for Rome Laboratory until his retirement in 2007.On May 10, 1975, he was united in marriage to Elvera Ritchie at St. John the Baptist Church. They spent 50 wonderful years together. He is survived by his wife, Elvera; loving daughter, Lisa Curtis; son-in-law, Erick Curtis; cherished grandson, Brendon; sister, Theresa Holmes; nephew, Ed Holmes; nephews, Anthony, Michael and Mark Ritchie; and several cousins and good friends that he loved spending time with. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the EMTs, Rome Fire Department and Rome Hospital Emergency Department for their exceptional care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11 a.m., from St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome. The family will welcome guests at the conclusion of Mass. Private burial will be held in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in Richard's name, may be made to Humane Society of Rome, Inc., PO Box 4572, Rome, NY 13442-4572.Arrangements are with the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.