With profound sadness, the Oxford Cultural Arts Commission shares the passing of our friend and fellow commissioner, Richard “Rich” Franzino.

Rich served as the Commission’s treasurer and was a steady, generous presence in our work and in our town. He was the kind of person who didn’t need to be boisterous to be influential; his impact was felt in how reliably he showed up, how thoughtfully he supported others, and how deeply he believed in the value of art and community.

Rich’s legacy reaches far beyond Oxford. In Bridgeport, he founded the Acoustic Café in 1999, helping create a home for live music and emerging artists—one of the places that helped shape Connecticut’s modern music scene.  In an interview, Rich spoke about that venue with unmistakable love and pride. He said it “changed my life,” and called it the most important thing he had ever done in entertainment - words that reflect not just accomplishment, but devotion to the creative community.

Rich was also a long-time carpenter - a true builder - someone who understood that the most meaningful things are made with patience, skill, and heart. That same builder’s spirit defined the way he moved through the world: supporting artists, championing ideas, and helping create spaces where people felt welcome.

We are devastated by this loss. We extend our love and condolences to Rich’s loved ones, his friends, and the many artists and community members whose lives he touched. Oxford has lost a pillar. Connecticut’s creative community has lost a champion. We have lost someone we were proud to call a friend.

Thank you, Rich, for what you built, for who you believed in, and for the way you made room for the arts and for people who create them. We will miss you dearly, and we will honor you by continuing the work with the same steadiness and care you brought to it.