Richard Philip Gagliardi

Our beloved Richard went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Rich was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend to all who knew him.

A gifted chef, he worked in many renowned restaurants throughout Connecticut before realizing his dream of opening his own. Alongside his wife, he began Richard’s Corner Gourmet Deli in Hamden and then founded Deli Delish and Catering in Woodbridge, where they finished up 20 years in the business together.

Rich found true joy in cooking and entertaining and will be remembered for hosting holidays and weekend get-togethers for his family and friends. He welcomed and fed all that came to his home. He was loving, kind, caring, and a loyal friend to many.

He enjoyed family beach vacations and especially loved traveling to the Jersey shore, North Myrtle Beach, and Virginia. He was always up for a last-minute Disney World trip and to Florida beaches where he eventually retired to five years ago.

He cherished the simple pleasures in life-good food, good company, watching football, relaxing on his deck and then his lanai, sipping a cocktail, and enjoying a nice cigar.

Rich is survived by his devoted wife Julie and her family who he lovingly and unconditionally considered his own. He was the most proud and loving dad to his children, Elizabeth Short and her husband Codie (MMA1 USN) of Honolulu, HI, Michael Gagliardi of Scottsdale AZ; his precious grandchildren, Isabella, Esther, and Matthew Short of Honolulu. He also leaves behind his brother and best friend James Gagliardi and sister-in-law Roberta of Jacksonville NC, as well as his loving nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Rich was born in New Haven CT on November 26, 1954. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Elizabeth (McGuire) Gagliardi and brothers, Mark and Thomas Gagliardi.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Maris Pointe Memory Care and Tidewell Hospice on Venice Island for the excellent care and compassion they provided during Rich’s final days.