Richard J. Kanaskie

Visiting hours will be held Monday (3/2) from 3-7 PM at the Carroll-Thomas Funeral Home 22 Oak Street Hyde Park.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday (3/3) morning at 11 AM at St Anne's Church (90 W. Milton Street Readville).  Interment at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton, relatives and friends invited.  Please in lieu of flowers all donations in Dick's memory can be made to Prader-Willi Syndrome www.pwsausa.org.

Richard J. Kanaskie, known affectionately as Dick to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, Born on August 29, 1932 in Shamokin, PA, Dick’s life would be defined by his devotion to hard work, faith and family.

A proud graduate of St Edwards High School in 1950, Dick entered Mount St Mary’s College in Maryland, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1954. He served his country with honor, entering the army as a private first class. His pursuit of education continued at Penn State where he graduated with MBA in 1958. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1962.

Dick’s professional journey began at Westinghouse. This was a chapter made all the more significant as it was there he met Reggie, his beloved wife of 65 years. He worked at Raytheon, subsequently RCA/GE and culminating his career in public service for the city of Boston as Deputy Director for Inspectional Services. He retired at a venerable age of 78.

His home in Readville was the hub of many holiday celebrations. He was a man of few words except when given the opportunity to give a toast. He was an active parishioner at St Anne’s parish where he lent his voice to 10 minstrel shows. Surprisingly tech savvy for his generation, he embraced new technologies. Dick had a love of gardening and maintaining his lawn. He enjoyed soaking up the sun on any beach, deck or poolside. His commitment to education for his children and grandchildren was unwavering. Dick’s legacy is one of love and quiet strength that defines a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed.

Dick was the devoted husband of Reggie (Scaccia) and the loving father of Terri Sollitto and her husband Bill, Bob Kanaskie and his wife Deb, Jeanne Carrara and her husband Victor, Karen Gill and her husband Brian, Donna Doyle and her husband Eddie and predeceased by his daughter Mary.  He was the cherished son of the late Joseph and Mary (Snyder), and brother to the late, Robert, William, James and Edward. In addition, he held the role as “Papa” to Nicole and her husband Justin, Patrick and his wife Julie, Emily, Jennifer and her husband Kyle, Brian, Kaitlin, Joseph, Michelle, Jenna, Stephen, John, Connie, Eddie, Gavin, Matthew, Jimmy, Michael and Charlie.  He was also the Great-Grandfather to Lucas. Dick’s love extended to his sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews and wide circle of friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard J. Kanaskie, please visit our floral store.