Dunnellon- Richard “Big Rich” Aiello, 84, died on Sunday, May 28, 2017 while under the care of Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast in Lecanto, FL. He leaves behind his wife of 40yrs., Frances Aiello, Dunnellon; his sons, Joseph Aiello, Long Island, NY, Richard Aiello, Jr.(Franchesca), Manalapan, NJ and Peter Dudine, Beverly Hills, FL; his daughter, Theresa Dudine, Beverly Hills, FL; his grandchildren, Peter J. Dudine, Michelle Riley, Christopher Dudine, Elizabeth Dudine, Sophia Dudine, Isabella Aiello, Richard Aiello,III and Sophia Aiello; his nephews, Jack Aiello, Danny Venezia (Valerie) and Louis Venezia; his niece Ellen Aiello Guido and brother in law, Jerry Ferrigno.

He is preceded in death by his brother, John Aiello.

Richard was born in Brooklyn, NY. He was the son to the late John and Ellen Kennedy Aiello. Richard retired from Victory Memorial Hospital in the maintenance department as a plumber. He was catholic by faith and a US Army Korean War Combat Veteran. Richard was a member of the VFW Ed Penno Post #4864 of Citrus Springs. In his spare time he enjoyed horse racing, and NY Mets baseball. Big Rich was a simple guy and a social butterfly who loved people and his family.

His family will be receiving relatives and friends on Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 3-6 PM at Roberts Funeral Home of Dunnellon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Citrus Springs followed by burial at Florida National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

Memorial contributions can be made in Big Rich’s memory to the VFW Ed Penno Post#4864, 10199 N. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs, FL 34464.