Ronald C. Stranieri, 76, of Franklin formerly of Las Vegas, Nevada, died peacefully at Milford Regional Medical Center after a long and bravely fought illness.
Mr. Stranieri was born in Worcester, September 13,1940, the son of the late John and Lucy(Cicotti) Stranieri and had resided in Franklin for the past 28 years.
He was a graduate of North Worcester High School.
Mr. Stranieri was a well-known figure in the Franklin area having established the Florentina Restaurant in 1993, located in downtown Franklin, which he operated with his partner Robert DeCecco until his retirement. The Florentina was widely known for both its quality Italian cuisine and after hours music and entertainment in the restaurant’s adjacent lounge where Mr. Stranieri would nightly share his beautiful voice and love for music with his patrons. He loved the music of his era, the big band sound and his beloved Italian music and had a successful background as a professional musician and vocalist. Prior to opening the Florentina he and Mr. DeCecco toured with their band called, The Manhattans, sharing their love of music throughout the area. He also loved the outdoors, sports, especially golf and playing cards with his friends.
Mr. Stranieri was the beloved partner of the late Robert DeCecco for 45 years.
He is survived by his sister Joan O’Brien of West Boylston and immediate family, Sylvia and Paul Ficco of Franklin, Maria and Wayne Cottle of Franklin, James and the late Karen Farnham of Pittsford, NY and Lester and the late Josephine Ribero of Pawtucket, RI, along with many nieces and nephews.
His family will miss his love and kindness and offer the following sentiment: “A flower may die, a sun may set but you our Ronnie we will never forget. Our precious Ronnie will never grow old, your memory engraved in our hearts in letters of gold.”
Services are private but expressions of sympathy may be made in Mr. Stranieri’s memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com ) Franklin.