Richard J. Janerico

Richard Joseph Janerico, 85, of Harrison, ME, passed peacefully with his family by his side on December 20, 2024. He was born in Winchester, MA, on December 24, 1938 to Salvatore and Velia (Giusti) Janerico. He graduated from Wakefield High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves. In 1964, he married Thelma Bayer with whom he raised four children before her death. He worked for many years as an oil burner technician and was a proud member of the NE Teamsters, Local 25. In 2013, he married his square dance partner, Ellen Knowlton. He loved football, square dancing, car races, spending time with family and friends, going on scenic rides, and his little Maltipoo, Bella. He made friends wherever he went. He is survived by his wife, Ellen, daughters Dianne Janerico (Daniel Kuczwara), Denise Finnegan (Paul), Donna Dow, son Douglas, and stepsons Barry Hardsog and Brian Hardsog, grandchildren Jessica, Chad, Robin, Frankie, and Richie, great grandsons Nicholas and Eric, and much-loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers John and Dan, sister Gloria Jean and his son-in-law, Francis C. Dow III.

A service of remembrance will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, MA on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Visitation: 10 a.m. - Noon, followed by a prayer service. Burial will be in the spring at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Walnut Street Center, 291 Mystic Ave., Medford, MA 02155.