Richard "Dick" P. Civetti

Richard “Dick” P. Civetti, 85, a longtime resident of Johnston, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Born in Waltham, MA he was the son of the late Mary (Russo) and Pasquale “Midge” Civetti. He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Elizabeth “Betty” (Kazlausky) Civetti.

Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Germany for two years. It was there he met the love of his life Elizabeth, who was also there serving in the Air Force. After serving his country, he began his career with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company while attending Bryant College and earning his Associate’s Degree in Accounting. His career spanned 35 years where he became a key employee, serving numerous years as Vice President – Controller of The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England before retiring in 1997. After his retirement, his strong work ethic led him to take on the role of financial consultant and controller for KeySpan.

Dick was an active volunteer in the Johnston Little League (JLL) for over 35 years, serving as a coach, board member, and league president. He and his wife Betty, affectionately known as “the French Fry lady,” were often found working the concession stand at the annual JLL Car Show. Dick dedicated many hours working with the members of the Johnston Youth Sports Bingo Association, helping to raise money for the JLL and other youth organizations in Johnston. As President of the JLL, he worked with longtime friend and JLL volunteer Frank Susi, along with Parks Director Vincent Lafazia to construct the Frank Susi Jr. Memorial Field of Dreams at Johnston War Memorial Park dedicated in 2004.

Dick’s dedication to the youth of Johnston did not go unnoticed. He and his wife received recognition awards from the Johnston Town Council on September 12, 2005, for their lifetime of service and commitment to the youth of the Johnston Community. Dick also received citations from the Rhode Island Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor Donald Carcieri for his commitment and dedication to the JLL and the youth of the Town of Johnston. He was an active member of the Johnston Democratic Town Committee, serving as treasurer for several years, and also past president and treasurer of the condo association in Florida where he spent time escaping the cold Rhode Island winters.

Above all, Dick’s greatest passion, was his family. They were first in his heart and mind. He was an outstanding family man, cherishing his roles as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved every moment. He instilled the importance of family and community in all his children and was always there to support his children and grandchildren at their sporting events and offering words of encouragement. Dick also had a love for New England sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

Besides his wife Betty, Dick leaves his beloved children: Patrick (Patty), Richard (Cathy), David (Tina), Karen Robitaille (Glenn), and Robert (Carol). He was the proud grandfather of Michael (Amy), Andrew (Cullen), Matthew (Ashley), Nicholas (Kristen), Aiden (Laura), Paul (Alexa), Lauren, Bobby, and Christopher. He was the cherished great grandfather of Harper, Rollins, Haven, Stassi, and Violet. Dick also leaves his sister-in-law, Mary Civetti, wife of his late brother, Michael “Mikey” Civetti. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family members, as well as dear friends in both Rhode Island and Greenacres, Florida.

VISITING HOURS will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston, RI. His funeral will leave at 9:00 am on Wednesday May 7, 2025, from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Church, 4 Lafayette St., Johnston. Entombment with military honors will be in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Johnston Little League, 28 Countryside Drive, Johnston, RI 02919 and/or Fisher House Boston, PO Box 230, S Walpole, MA 02071.