Richard Alfred Alfarone

Richard Alfred Alfarone passed away peacefully at Hospice of Randolph in Asheboro, N.C. on June 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 12, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York to his mother Angelina Perri Alfarone and father Guiseppe Alfarone. Richard was the youngest of five brothers.

 He grew up in Queens, NY where he was set up on a blind date with Joan Lewin Alfarone. They were married 61 years. Richard and Joan’s love story embodies unwavering commitment and caring for each other. When Richard was 24, he suffered a devastating accident; he was electrocuted at a construction site, forcing doctors to amputate his leg. Joan and his mother Angelina, nursed him back from the brink of death. Years later, Richard dedicated his days to caring for Joan in the wake of her brain aneurysm, several strokes, and kidney disease. Their love story continues. Joan passed away two weeks before Richard. The two are now together again. 

 Richard and Joan set down roots for their family in Hicksville, New York. First, they had their son, Kenneth, and later, their daughter Debra. Richard was a protector and devoted father to his children. He maintained a successful career, spanning more than four decades as a general contractor throughout New York State.

 Richard and Joan retired to Randleman, North Carolina, along with their best friends, Anthony and Margaret DelGais. Richard and Anthony were known around town in the lunch “scene.” They could be found debating the best pizza, or the most delicious sandwich at coffee shops, diners, and restaurants throughout Randleman, Asheboro, and High Point. 

 Richard loved cars. It is estimated that he may have owned more than a hundred throughout his lifetime. When you visited him, he would often have a new one to show you. 

He was a loyal friend, thoughtful family member and compassionate American. He graciously helped others throughout his life, in ways seen and unseen. He was dependable, generous, and embodied strength. His children saw him as an unwavering oak tree that could withstand centuries of storms. He always had the answer. He always came through. 

 Some may say Richard was a man of few words; he chose each carefully and with integrity. His word counted. If he expressed a feeling or opinion, he held it strongly. If he said he’d help you, he would. In a world where words can be used carelessly, Richard’s example reminds us words have power. 

 He lived his life without regret. He did what he wanted; from winning thousands at blackjack games, investing in businesses, and buying cars from the Mecum Auto Auction to watching golf, football, and auto racing on TV, he did it his way. 

Richard’s favorite songs included Jon Bon Jovi’s, “It’s My Life” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” This passage sums up how he lived: 

 It's my life
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
It's my life
My heart is like the open highway
Like Frankie said, "I did it my way"
I just want to live while I'm alive
It's my life

 It was his life, and Richard absolutely lived it his way. 

Mr. Alfarone will Lie in Repose on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm at Pugh Funeral Home at 600 S. Main Street in Randleman, NC. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 pm at Randolph Memorial Park Cemetery at 4538 US Highway 220 Bus N, Asheboro, NC