Richard Strollo

Richard Strollo, 60, of Worcester died Friday February 19, 2021 at UMass Hospital after a brief illness.  Born in New Rochelle, NY, on April 15, 1960, he was the son of the late Eugene and Margaret (Kearns) Strollo.

Richard lived life well. He loved fine wine, and nothing brought him more happiness than an excellent meal at a top shelf restaurant with good friends and family. He was a proud New Yorker who delighted in the music of Frank Sinatra. To paraphrase Sinatra, Richard did life his way. He had an acerbic sense of humor that brought relatives to their knees with laughter at the many holiday and birthday parties he attended. Upon arrival at a party, Richard would do a five-minute driveway monologue to warm up the crowd. Richard's gift for storytelling made him fun to be around. He was a born salesman. For over twenty years he worked at Turf Technologies and developed lasting friendships in that time. 

Richard married Kathy in 1990. A few years later, he and Kathy welcomed Kathy’s father Donald into their home as he struggled with health issues. Richard was a great companion to Donald in his final months, playing rummy and making him laugh.  A lifelong Yankees fan, Richard married into Red Sox Nation. While delighting in wearing his Yankees baseball cap and taunting his long-suffering Red Sox in-laws, he also empathized with their plight. At least until 2004. He also enjoyed playing golf.  For many years he organized a brother-in-law golf trip to Killington, VT. His favorite hole was the 19th. 

Richard leaves his wife of 30 years, Kathleen Moylan, his three sisters: Patricia Spiegler, and her husband Robert, and their children Rob and Kathryn, Barbara Strollo, and Mary Strollo, all of Springfield, MA. He also leaves Kathy’s family, where he was a senior member of the “Outlaw” Squad:  Donald Moylan and Nancy Gardell, Heather, Donald, and Josh; Mary and Michael O’Sullivan; Paul and Anne Moylan, Kevin and Tara; John and Mary Moylan, Dan, Erin, and Kerri; Ann and Carlos Tuggle, Megan and Brian; Joan Moylan-Trigiano and Michael Trigiano, Kevin and Kathleen Moylan, Abby and C.J.; Margaret and Kevin Gosselin, Nick and Chelsi; Patricia and Nick Angelo III, Joe and Jessica. Richard was proud of his many nieces and nephews and 4 great nieces and nephews. He took great joy in watching them grow into amazing adults. They took joy in his good humor and joking nature.

Richard also leaves his lifelong friend Jim Emanuele and his wife Lisa, with whom he and Kathy shared many good times, including trips to New York and Wells, Maine.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held at a later date.  The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL is privileged to serve the Strollo family.  To leave a note of condolence for the family, please visit our guestbook page.