A fiercely loyal Minnesota sports fan (Go, Twins/Vikings/Gophers!), Dick was also a selfless friend, baseball and basketball coach, and church member, routinely putting everyone's interests ahead of his own throughout his life.

Richard "Dick" Graziano was the youngest of John and Maria Graziano's 10 children (only 7 of whom lived past childhood). Born on the first day of spring ✿ and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was baptized June 28, 1931, at the Basilica of St Mary in Minneapolis by Father Michael O'Connell; his Godfather was his brother Jimmy and his sister Margaret was his Godmother. Dick selected the name "Michael" as his confirmation name, a sacrament which was also held at the Basilica.

A lifelong Minnesotan, Dick attended The Basilica School in grades K-8, earning the 1944 all-school honor from the American Legion for "honor, courage, scholarship, leadership, and service." Dick was a proud graduate of DeLaSalle High School's class of 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served during the Korean conflict as Staff Sergeant, performing RADAR installation while stationed in Biloxi, MS and Point Arena, CA. Dick received an engraved medal for his abilities on the Air Force basketball team.

Dick earned a B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 1959 with three majors: English Literature, Social Studies, and History, becoming the only child in his family to earn a college degree.

Retiring after a 36-year career with Honeywell, Dick worked in international marketing for fire alarm and security products, flying more than one million miles to 40+ countries; his favorite destination was Hong Kong. Dick's outgoing personality was legendary; his children grew up convinced "Dad knows everybody!" Dick simply adored meeting new people and learning more about them, so he invariably ran into someone he knew nearly every place he went (which greatly amused his children).

Dick was reunited in heaven with his dear wife of 48 years, Barbara (whom he met in kindergarten), his parents, and the eight siblings who preceded him in death. Often described as "a really great guy," Dick was a loving and involved father of three, grandfather of 11, and great-grandfather of 10 who will be long remembered by all who knew him. Dick was survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one sister, many nieces, nephews, and friends –- he was a good friend to so many; heaven couldn't wait. We miss you, dad! May you rest in heavenly peace, Dick. ❤

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