Richard “Rick” Francis Schiavoni, 63, of Haverhill, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Feb. 17.
Son of the late attorney Theodore L. and Kathleen U. (Maluchnik) Schiavoni, he attended Sacred Hearts Grammar School, and graduated from Brewster Academy. He also majored in Business at University of New Hampshire. He had been employed at the former Western Electric and Brentwood furniture, and was a self-employed woodworker. Well-known for his extraordinary music abilities, he was a self-taught guitarist, pianist and drummer. He had been in local bands in his younger years. He also composed enough songs to fill a CD, which his family treasures. In addition, Rick was a very gifted woodworker, delighting his family with his hand-crafted gifts. He took enormous pride in his work, and his attention to detail was very evident. He enjoyed watching the Celtics, Bruins and Patriots. He also loved traveling, especially to the White Mountains, and Nova Scotia. His family will always remember his unique sense of humor. He loved to play jokes in his younger days on his siblings, and his cousins. He enjoyed summers spent at the family cottage on Island Pond, where Schiavoni would entertain family and neighbors by playing guitar with his late father. While Schiavoni struggled many years with mental illness, his true and compassionate spirit remained constant, along with his delightful sense of humor.
He was the brother of the late Jeannine Schiavoni, with whom they shared a special bond. He will be sadly missed by his brothers Ted Jr, John, and sister Laura and her husband, Dan Castine, He also leaves his dear friends, Mary Sapareto McCoon, Steve McAloon, and special aunt, Mary Louise Schiavoni, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family asks that those attending his celebration wear something blue, as it was his favorite color. Family and friends are respectfully invited to his memorial mass on Monday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel at Sacred Hearts Church, Bradford. A gathering will precede the mass at 10 in the church hall. Interment will be private and at the convenience of his family. Arrangements are by the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Haverhill and Bradford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rick’s honor can be sent to Calvary Baptist “Community Meals Ministry” PO Box 781, Haverhill, MA, c/o Deacon Bruce Carter.