Carol A. (Diodati) Richards, of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born on July 18, 1942, to the late Amilio and Mary (Kane) Diodati, Carol grew up in South Boston and graduated from Nazareth High School, Class of 1960. She remained forever proud of her Southie roots.

Carol married the love of her life, Fred R. Richards, Sr., on June 24, 1967. Settling in Melrose, together they built a life of love, laughter, and happiness over 58 years. Carol flourished as a loving wife, a nurturing mother to her two sons, and a devoted Nana to her four grandchildren.

Carol's legacy of kindness and positivity resonated throughout every aspect of her life, as she consistently put the needs of others before her own. She was a dedicated member of Incarnation Church and later Most Blessed Sacrament Church, where her faith was paramount.

Carol enjoyed spending summers on Cape Cod, where she loved to entertain family and friends. She had a special talent for baking, particularly her treasured Irish Soda Bread and her King's Crown, which sweetened countless family gatherings.

As we celebrate Carol's life, while her physical presence is gone, the lessons of grace, strength, and unconditional love that she embodied will live on forever in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

Beloved wife of the late Fred R. Richards, Sr., with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Fred R. Richards, Jr. and his wife, Christine, of Melrose, and Derek J. Richards and his wife, Joy, of Georgetown. Dear sister of Beverly Quinn of Quincy. Cherished grandmother of Morgan and her fiancé, Eamonn; Alexander and his wife, Grace; Nicholas; and Michael Richards. Loving aunt of Joseph and Michael Quinn, and the late Robin Richards Imperato.

Family and friends are invited to gather in honor of Carol for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Wednesday, June 10, from 4-7 p.m., and again on Thursday, June 11, at 8:45 a.m., before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield, for her Funeral Mass, celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , 320 Nevada St., #201, Newton, MA 02460.