Richard J. Iorio, “Bella”, 81, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, formerly of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026. Loving brother of Robert Iorio and his late wife Marie. Loving uncle of Robert, Jr. and wife Cheryl, Christopher and wife Danya, Lisa Porco and husband Ralph and Daniel and wife Melissa. Cherished, great-uncle of Joseph, Samantha, Victoria, Jamie, Giuliana, Gabriella, Olivia and Christopher Daniel. He was predeceased by his parents, Prosperino and Livia Iorio.
Richard was a very accomplished hair stylist, writer and entertainer. He wrote, acted and performed in numerous productions, most notably “Arrivederci Papa”. For almost 50 years, he loved spending summers with family, friends and the Cherry Grove Community in Fire Island. A place where he created a piece of history bringing glitz and glamour to the stage, making audiences laugh and have a great time!
Visiting hours are Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY, at 10 AM with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.
The Funeral Mass can be viewed through the link below:
https://saintcatharines.org/livestream
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
Beautiful obituary and great picture.
I miss you so much already and will love you forever
Thanks for the many laughs & great stories! Arrivederci Bella. You will be missed.
Love, Cousin Donna
Such a beautiful obituary and Picture. Richie and I always had a special connection. He gave me my first opportunity as Hair stylist. We had many laughs together. I love you and I will truly miss you forever.
You really did have a special connection. You are a great team.
My Bombinella!! I can’t get it thru my head that you’re in Heaven now. The past 2 days I keep going to the phone ready to tell you , Bell did you see who posted for you! Did you see what picture is up? Look what they said
Thanks for the laughs, the screams, the love. Thanks for a lifetime of memories! I love you always.
Bella, Bella, Bella ! The performances , dinners and all the good times with you on Fire Island will never be forgotten ! Your homemade pizza was the best ! Rest in Peace and the memories of you will live in the hearts of all who knew you . ❤️
Almost 30 years of friendship, I will miss you so very much. We laughed, we cried, we argued but most of all we loved and cared for each other. Friendships hold a very close and special place in life, because unlike our own family, we get to choose them, and we chose each other.
Miss you greatly … Until we meet again.
Rich Parisi
Rest in peace, Bella. We’ve only known each other for a short time, but every moment was filled with happiness and good memories. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to the Iorio family. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers from the Schober family.