Richard P. “Dick” DeStefano, 87, of North Scituate, RI, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 with his loving family by his side. A son of the late C. George and Janet L. (Harrower) DeStefano and the beloved husband of the late Claudette (Messier) DeStefano, Dick grew up in Barrington, RI and he and his wife, Claudette, raised their family there for 31 years. Later he moved to North Scituate, RI, where he remained for the last 30 years.

Dick was a 1955 graduate of Barrington High School and went on to attend the University of Rhode Island, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1959. After college, Dick began his career in automotive sales at the family business, DeStefano Ford Sales, Inc. He became the Vice President in 1977 and remained there until 1995. Dick was known as “Mr. Fix-It” and when not working at the family dealership, he would be in his workshop fixing anything electronic or something for his children. He enjoyed listening to marching band music and playing the tuba.

Dick is survived by his sons, Richard DeStefano Jr. and his wife Amanda of Chepachet, RI, and Steven DeStefano and his wife Cherylanne of Cranston, RI; his daughter, Tricia DeStefano and her partner Rob Raymond of Marble, NC; his brother, George O. DeStefano of Rehoboth, MA; and his grandchildren, Victoria, Madison and Ryder. He was the brother of the late William G. DeStefano.

Services are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI 02885, where the family will receive relatives and guests for Visitation on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 8-9AM followed immediately by Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Mary of the Bay Parish, 645 Main St. Warren, RI 02885. A Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Tr. Riverside, RI 02915.

Flowers are welcome. Donations in Dick’s honor can be made to VNA of Care New England, www.vnacarenewengland.org.

For directions or tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.