Richard L. Thorud passed away peacefully at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital on Tuesday, August 17th. He was 78. Born in New Haven Connecticut, he was the son of the late Laurence and the late Alice (Engberg) Thorud. After graduating from Medford High School with the class of 1960, Rich proudly served in the National Guard for six years. Rich also obtained multiple professional certificates through Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Professional Development program.
On October 18, 1964, Rich married the love of his life, Nicolina “Nikki” (Calococci). Together they shared nearly 57 years of marriage. They lived in Medford and raised their family in a neighborhood where the bonds of family and friendship were enjoyed and made strong. Rich enjoyed a long career with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston as a machinist. An avid sports fan, Rich spent many years coaching youth baseball and hockey and umpiring youth baseball and football. One of his most memorable experiences was attending the Red Sox Fantasy Camp umpire program. He served on the board of the 100 High St. Condominium Association and the Medford Community Education Program. He was an active member of the Arlington Retirement Club where he enjoyed playing friendly games of cribbage with other members. Rich and his family spent many wonderful years summering at Baxter Lake in New Hampshire, where they made unforgettable memories and lifelong friends.
The beloved husband of Nicolina “Nikki” (Calococci) Thorud, Rich was a devoted father to Denise Thorud of Medford, and Scott Thorud and his wife Joanne of Tewksbury. He was a loving grandfather to Trent Sullivan of Manchester NH. The dear brother of the late Jaqueline “Jackie” Reinke and her husband Ray, formerly of Hawley, MN, he will be forever missed by his sister-in-law Dorothy Calococci of Medford, brother-in-law Thomas Calococci and his wife Ginny of Melbourne, Fl, aunt Gloria Harrington of Medford and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews throughout North Dakota, Minnesota and other parts of the US.
Richard’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Tuesday, August 24 at 10:30 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 11:30 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family, Monday 4-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Richard’s name to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or to the American Diabetes Association, 260 Cochituate Rd., Suite 200, Framingham, MA 01701.