Richard A. "Silver Fox" Volpe

77 of Cranston, had suffered a stroke in October of 2021 but his tenacious spirit paired with the unwavering care of his wife and children carried him through many days to follow.

On Monday February 19, 2024, Richard let down his weary body and passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Nicola and Leona (Peltier) Volpe and brother of the late Kenneth Volpe whom Richard loved and missed immensely.

Richard was the devoted husband and forever sweetheart of Monica (DelBonis) Volpe; their love story is both cliche and yet one of a kind. The heartthrob biker “bad boy” meets a picture-perfect Italian girl who had the biggest heart at a Jewelry shop in Knightsville where she and his mother worked together…and 49yrs later, they hadn’t been apart since their very first date…holding hands every night at bedtime till the very end.

Richard proudly served his country in the US Army, during the Vietnam War. He was a Purple Heart recipient who carried the scars of war both inside and out. Monica and their family were his place of peace and the greatest honor to follow in his life.

Tough as nails since the day he was born, Richard was a man that had resilience woven into every fiber of him.  He was a fierce protector of those he loved…and if he loved you, he also busted you up…alot!!  He was known for his great sense of humor, and endless pranks. His timing of jokes, and playful banter are something to be rivaled. And if he called you a silly name instead of your own, he definitely cared about you!

Richard grew up a motorhead with a passion for racing motorcycles. This continued in his life and he shared his great love of hot rodding with his wife Monica. Their radical custom 49 Ford Club Coupe was a dream project that Richard and his son Eric worked on together from the ground up. Monica enjoyed helping create the perfect custom interior and it really became a family affair. Richard and Monica with their infamous Led Sled brought great joy to everyone as they traveled throughout the east coast with friends.  The car show community was a place of happy times, romance and where Richard’s family legacy continued to grow.

His family was his greatest achievement, and of everything he was or went through in life, he was most fulfilled to be the patriarch of his family. Just ask anyone who met him. He took pride in doing the best job he could as a husband, father and grandfather. His love for his family, appetite for life…coffee and food…gave him strength to fight every day. Richard loved visiting his children to gather for food and laughs more than anything in the world. Richard’s family will greatly miss him at the head of the table filling his plate, his wine glass and most of all their homes with his love.

Besides his wife, he was the best Dad to Clarisse and her husband Jon Gill, Eric Volpe, Renee and Sean Simas, and Kayla and Andrew Irby, Sr.  He was the cherished “Papa” of nine grandchildren - Armani, Destiny, Daniel, Gavin, Kiara, A’Driana, Andrew Jr., Tyrell and Sean Patrick.  He was the loving uncle to many nieces, nephews and cousins; especially his niece Jennifer Volpe-Owen. Richard was “Pop V” to many and also leaves many “grandpups” whom he valued as family.

His funeral will leave 9:15 am, on Tuesday February 27, 2024, from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s Church, 1 Saint Paul Place, Cranston.  Followed by inurnment at Rhode Island Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.VISITING HOURS will be held Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME.

Rev it up for the Silver Fox one last time!

To honor the spirit of Richard, the family kindly encourages if you have a hot rod or hog…bring them out! Please consider wearing your favorite motorhead shirts / jackets or add a pop of purple to your attire in memory of his vibrant life.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or Operator Stand Down Rhode Island, 1010 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919.