Timothy W. Young

I was saddened to learned of Richie Bonzagni's death. I met Richie in the sixth grade at Parmenter Elementary School. Richie lived across the street from me on Churchill Ave. We were best friends. We walked to JH West and AHS every day for six years. We were in the same boy and explorer scout troops that included Ron Pierce, Allen Jokinen, Jimmy Byam, Harry Williams and Steven Robinson. We did everything together from camping, hiking, smoking cedar bark, and playing cards. Richie and I shared a paper route delivering the Boston Herald to homes from Hills Pond to Route 2. Sometimes I had to get Richie up in the morning if his mother (a beautiful Italian woman who made wonderful breakfasts) didn't wake him up. The truth is Richie was a little spoiled. I wish I had been so lucky!

Richie was  intelligent. He went to Tufts and majored in Engineering. He also was very practical, a characteristic I happen to like.I only saw Richie one more time after I left Massachusetts in 1966. I wish I had stayed in touch. From the obituary it appears Richie had a full life. I guess that's all one can ask. I wish him and all of us well in the next stage.

Tim Young

Jane M. McCall (Barry)

I am so nostalgic reading Tim's description of his friendship with Richie. I remember both of you very fondly. You are good guys, the kind of decent, sweet fellows that peopled my youth. I am very sad to hear of Richie's passing, way too early, but it does seem that he had a full and satisfying life.

Nelson R. Capes

So sad to hear of Rich's passing. He was one of my best friends in high school, a very good friend to a quiet and lonely boy.  I most remember sitting behind him in Miss Rounds Latin 4 class and the trick we played on Mr. Miller's physics class with Rich's walkie-talkies (if you were there, you may remember it).  I also hung out with Ron Pierce and Jimmy Byam but I guess we were in different boy scout troops.  Prayers for Rich and his family.

Nelson (Jason Russell House) Capes

Allen J. Jokinen

I just read Tim Young's very well written comments about Richie.  Well said, Tim.

Along with Richie, I went to Tufts and studied engineering.  However, after a year, I changed my major and rarely saw him. 

It's hard to believe he's gone.  

Ronald S. (Ron) Carter

So sad to see this. Like others that posted I remeber Richie fodly, I was in the BoyScout troop at the 1st Baptist church but saw Richie and the others mentioned at a number of Boy Scout activities. I am glad to see he had a good life and a great family.  Rest in Peace.  -----    Ron

Carmen Bourget (Lysaght)

Rich was my first love. We Did not live too far apart after my family moved from East Arlington to Newport Street in our junior year. We were in the same home room. I was smitten. We dated briefly after high school then reconnected at our fifth high school reunion. Dated for about a year and a half but we were not meant to be. I went on to marry another engineer and we had a wonderful marriage until cancer also took him way too soon. Seems like a lifetime ago but u never forget your first love. Rest In Peace Rich. 

Jane M. McCall (Barry)

Thanks for sharing, Carmen.  A sweet story.