Obituary of Richard Anthony Sollazzo

Richard Anthony Sollazzo, age 70, passed away early Wednesday morning. Richard was a gentle giant who could often be seen walking almost anywhere on the Island. From the late 1960’s through the early 1980’s he worked as a Messenger in the City. Richard was perfectly suited to transport important documents and valuables from business to business before the age of electronic transmissions and daredevil bicycle runners. He was quick to smile to those who would meet him, and if you got to know him, you’d soon be impressed by his phenomenal recall. In his earlier years, he learned much about Astrology and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of your “sign.” As often happens in life, those who are gentle can fall prey to villains. Three years ago, Richard was robbed on the street by two hoodlums who saw him coming out of his bank in Port Richmond. Though not physically harmed, the incident left him with post traumatic stress. Most conversations one might have with him since the incident took place would revolve around the crime. Richard relied heavily on a wonderful support network of nurses, doctors, meals on wheels staff members and home health aides who cared for and loved him. He is survived by his brother John who lives in Florida. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Saturday, departing at 8:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels of Staten Island in Richard’s Memory.