Richard James Aloisi passed away Aug. 16, 2018, after a short illness.
He was born April 14, 1936, in Risingdale to Ann and William Aloisi. Richard graduated from Searles High School in Great Barrington in 1955. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, then stationed in Germany in the 11th Airborne from 1956–58.
He later graduated Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston, where he studied electrical and electronics. In 1958, he began working for his future father-in-law, Harland B. Foster, as an electrician. He married his high-school sweetheart, JoAnn M. Foster, on April 18, 1959. They built their home on Highland Drive in Great Barrington where he resided until passing. In 1970, he established his own company, RJ Aloisi Electric Inc., which is today run by his son Jeffrey. In 1972, he became partners with Robert Spence to open S&A Supply Inc., the area’s first plumbing and heating wholesale house, which soon grew to three locations and expanded to sell plumbing, heating and electrical products with two showrooms. Richard retired in 2001 to enjoy traveling with friends and family.
He was a member of the Elks Club in Westfield and the James A. Modolo VFW in Great Barrington, and a longtime member of Wyantenuck Country Club. He volunteered as a Great Barrington firefighter and served on the Great Barrington Fire District. In later years, he worked as a wiring inspector in the towns of New Marlborough, Tyringham and Lee.
He leaves behind three children: Elizabeth “Betsy” Aloisi Andrus of Monterey, Richard Brock Aloisi of Great Barrington, and Jeffrey James Aloisi and wife Robyn Zanin Aloisi of New Marlborough. He will be truly missed by his eight grandchildren Daniel and Nicole Andrus; Emily and Joseph Aloisi; and Aidan, Ashton, Ana and Addisyn Aloisi. He also leaves behind two sisters, Jean Stoecker of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and Cathleen Pedone of Northborough; and lots of beloved extended family and lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his wife, JoAnn, and his brother William.
Funeral services for Richard J. Aloisi will be held Friday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Saint Peter’s Church with Reverend William P. Murphy, pastor, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Richard’s memory may be made to either the St. Peter’s Church renovation fund in Great Barrington or the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad in Great Barrington in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
