Richard Henry Iafolla, a Medfield resident and lifelong equestrian of distinction, died this earlier this month. He was 76.

Richard grew up with his parents and three brothers in the family’s Frairy Street home. He owned his first horse by the time he was in high school and paid for the expenses by boarding a friend’s horse in the barn on the Iafolla property.

That first horse was officially named After Hours, but Richard called him Sam.

Following his graduation from Medfield High School in 1963, Richard served in the Army with a tank battalion stationed in Germany.

Richard returned to civilian life after his tour of duty, working as a horse trainer, riding instructor, and equestrian consultant. His affinity to animals extended beyond horses. Richard also worked as the Hunt Master at the Norfolk Hunt Club.

He’ll be remembered for his kind and generous spirit, his patience and diligence, his humane and down-to-earth sensibility, and his easy laugh.

Richard is survived by his brothers Eric, Bob, and Peter; his nieces Kimberly, Brenda, Michelle, and Jessica; his nephews Jason and Bobby; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

A graveside service will be held on December 6, 2022 at 11:30am at Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield, MA.