Richie passed away Monday evening, June 3, 2019 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Chelsea, he is the son of the late Irene (Paragone) Laft.  Richie attended Chelsea Public Schools and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1965.  He enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam Era on July 11, 1966.  He was honorably discharged on August 24, 1969 and returned to the US Army Reserve to complete his service obligation.  Upon returning home from the service Richie began his career as an equipment operator working for the City of Chelsea.  After several years of working for the City he grew up in, Richie began working for the MA Highway, now called the Department of Transportation.  He retired from the State in 2004.  Richie enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He has been residing in Saugus for the last 4 years but previously lived in Chelsea and Revere.  As a kid Richie enjoyed playing football in the City of Chelsea.  He often reminisced of his youth and his famous game winning touchdown catch.  Richie was a late member of the American Legion, formerly in Chelsea.  He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Richie is the beloved husband of Sandra J. (Budney) Laft of Saugus, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Devoted father of Chelsea Police Detective,  Richard C. Laft, Jr. and his wife Jeanette of Lynn, Serena D. Sullivan and her husband Tony of Saugus.  Cherished grandfather of Gianna M. Laft, Julianna G. Laft, both of Lynn, Monty C. Sullivan, Madeline R. Sullivan, both of Saugus.  Beloved nephew of the late June Lynch.  Also lovingly survived by nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:  Funeral from the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., Chelsea on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St., Chelsea, at 10:00 A.M. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  Visiting hours will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday from 4-8 P.M.  Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody.

DONATIONS:  For those who wish, donations in Richie's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or on-line at www.stjude.org.