Richard Nicholas Tosti, fondly known as “Dick” or “Rich”, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at the age of 84, after a painful battle with cancer. Born to Nicholas Tosti and Elise Mazza Tosti, Richard lived a life filled with music, family, kindness, and quiet generosity.

Richard was a devoted brother to Thomas Tosti, Jeanie Tosti Gauldin (Phillip), and Marianne Tosti Tress (Tab), and he carried throughout his life the memory of his beloved brother Michael Tosti, who preceded him in death. He is also predeceased by his nephew, Justin Reynolds, with whom he shared a special bond and close relationship. Family was always at the center of Rich’s life. His warmth, humor, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Richard attended St. Michael’s Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Aquinas High School in the Class of 1959. As a young man, he participated in Little League Baseball, high school plays, and developed a lifelong love of movies. Later in life, he created a mini movie theatre in his apartment with a huge screen covering one wall, where he enjoyed sharing his extensive movie collection to family and friends.

Music was Richard’s lifelong passion and gift. His mother, an accomplished pianist and teacher, introduced him to music with piano lessons and ukulele. He later studied guitar and pursued a life-long career in popular music beginning during the doo-wop era of Elvis and James Dean.

Richard enjoyed a recording career that included several 45 RPM records and two LP vinyl albums entitled: ‘Dick Tosti Trio at the Mar Mac Lounge’ and ‘Dick Tosti at the Chateau de Louis’. For his first 45 RPM recording featuring “Red Sails in the Sunset” and “I’m Losing My Head Over You”, he took the name “Dick Rogers” inspired by the name of his father’s New York City big band, the Phil Rogers Orchestra of the 1930’s. He later adopted the professional name “Dick Tosti” for the rest of his career.

Early in his career, Richard met and opened for Frankie Avalon at a concert in Syracuse, NY. Over the years, he entertained extensively not only in the local Rochester, NY area, but also in the Adirondack Mountains resort areas, Saratoga Springs NY, California, and Florida. He also occasionally performed locally with his piano-playing brother, Thomas, and singing sisters, Marianne and Jeanie; as well as with talented cousins and relatives at family gatherings. As the eldest of 46 grandchildren, Richard treasured those musical family connections.

An accomplished guitarist and vocalist, he mastered the intricate fingerstyle made famous by Chet Atkins, bringing joy to countless people through his performances. Richard’s warm, inviting vocal style and gentle spirit touched others creating moments of comfort, happiness, and nostalgia that will be long remembered by the many people fortunate to hear him perform. Whether playing at Gigi’s Restaurant or performing for residents in nursing homes, Richard shared his talent not for recognition, but to brighten the lives of others.

Richard also gave guitar lessons to both children and adults, generously sharing his expertise with patience and encouragement. He had a special ability to connect with people through music.

Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life rooted in family, music, compassion, and dedication to others. Richard Nicholas Tosti leaves behind a legacy of love and melody that will continue to echo in the hearts of those who loved him.

May he rest in peace, reunited with those who went before him, while his music lives on in the memories he created.

Visitation: 4-6pm, June 4, Miller Funeral Home, 3325 Winton Rd. South, Rochester NY 14623

Funeral Mass: 11:00am, June 5, Annunciation Church, 1760 Norton St, Rochester NY 14609

Interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 2461 Lake Ave, Rochester NY, Sec So 46, Lot 424