Richard Masi

Masi, Richard A., 57, passed away on December 15, 2020 at his home.  We all knew him as Richard A. Masi, but whether we or even he knew, he went by many names and titles. He was born on March 17th, 1963 in Providence, Rhode Island and became a Son for Anthony Masi and Barabra Linheares. The family welcomed one Thomas Masi and thus Richard became a Brother. The family lived in North Providence where Richard grew up. Barbara unfortunately passed away from a battle with breast cancer when Richard was young. Richard’s brother Thomas and his father Anthony both are living well still in Rhode Island.

After graduating from North Providence High School, Richard enrolled and graduated from Rhode Island School of Design where he pursued his passion and the desire of the title of Artist. He went on to work for Paramount Cards where he made animations on hundreds and thousands of various types of cards come to life. His favorite job though was being an art director and in a leadership position for the promotional work for the Providence Performing Art Center. He last worked as an advisor in Santander Bank while still doing what he loves by creating artwork and hosting galleries at various locations in his spare time.

Richard was married once and was a Husband to Susan Masi-LeFebvre, who has since remarried to Daniel LeFebvre. They helped Richard tremendously through the past couple years with treatments and their friendship. However, Richard and Susan remained friends and stayed connected largely in fact to them having two sons, Stephen Masi and Christopher Masi. When they were born Richard found his true title that he enjoyed more so than any other, a Dad. He loved his sons more than anything and no matter what they did, he was their number one fan and supporter. His world revolved around them. He showed them everything he loved. Whether that was creating art or enjoying nature on hikes or or listening to music collecting various hobbies. He showed them, without even trying, exactly how to be dad.

The last couple years for Richard he became a Fighter and a Superhero. Richard was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer known as Multiple Myeloma. Instead of taking the diagnosis as ‘the end’, Richard fought the cancer head on like a superhero in battle like he had read in his comic books as a child. Despite the pain and sacrifices, he only showed how positive and determined he was to beat cancer, to which he did after countless treatments of chemotherapy. Through it all, Richard still did everything he loved. He still took walks all over the state, still went antiquing, still created art, never missed a wrestling match, and most of all was still a Dad.

Richard liked to think of himself as an introvert and lived privately. However, he touched the lives of so many people. If you had met Richard, you never forgot him. He most likely made you laugh and feel better about life with his belief of ‘The Power of Positivity!’. His warmth and compassion for everyone was unmatched and he in return had so many people care about him.

Despite him not being physically with us anymore, he will forever be looking down on us with that warmth and love he showed us while . Richard went by the name of Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin, Husband, Brother-In-Law, Fighter, Artist, Supporter, Loved One, and what he was most proud of, Dad. However, no matter what way you knew Richard Masi, there was one common name for him we all had for him. Our Best Friend.

In honor of Richard, if you knew and loved him like so many did, any donations to the American Cancer Society would be the best option in remembrance of him at www.cancer.org.  With the American Cancer Society’s help, Richard was with us for two years that we may not have had. He would only want someone else to have the same opportunities and the same help he had to help beat cancer.

Thank You

He is survived by his father, his sons, his former wife, his brother,  and several aunts and cousins.

His funeral mass will be private.