Richard Hearn Duello

Richard Hearn Duello (“Poppi” to his grandchildren), age 75, of Grayson, Georgia, passed away on November 26, 2025,surrounded by family.

Born on September 3, 1950, in Atlanta, Richard was the son of Leonard and Jane Duello. He grew up in Georgia, Ohio, and Texas, but ultimately settled back in Atlanta, which was his home. Richard was a principal and lead estimator at Builder’s Steel Supply with two of his brothers, William and Thomas Duello, which was founded by their father, Leonard Duello.

He was known for his sense of humor and dedication to his family. While the quality of his jokes could be questioned, the joy that he spread through his constant smile and endearing cheerfulness could not. No one was a stranger with his willingness to talk to anyone and his lack of self-consciousness (as evidenced by his fashion choices). While the first impression he gave was one of silliness, he generously spread a wisdom honed through years of reading and prayer.

Richard loved working with his hands as evidenced by the toy boxes that he built for his grandchildren with their names in custom made scrabble letters. He was a dedicated member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church where he was a lector and mentor with the Sunday teen bible study.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Williams Duello; daughter Carrie Duello and her husband Joe Mullinax; daughter Amy Stephens and her husband Zac Stephens; son Daniel Duello and his wife Katherine Duello; daughter Rosa de Lugo and her husband Ryan De Lugo; nine grandchildren (Justin, Blake, Miles, Henry, William, Andrew, Camilla, James, and Maria), great-grandson Bodie; and siblings Thomas Duello, Leonard Duello, and Trudy Turner.

A funeral will be held on Monday, December 1 at 11:00 am at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Visitation will take place Sunday, November 30 at 1-3 pm with a Vigil concluding at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul (https://svdpgeorgia.org/) in Richard’s memory