KENNESAW—Deacon Richard “Dick” James Conti of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Kennesaw died Feb. 28. He was 77 years old.

Born Sept. 4, 1937, in Auburn, New York, Deacon Conti moved to Kennesaw with his wife and family in 1986. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena since its inception and was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus order at the parish.

Ordained to the diaconate on Feb. 24, 2001, Deacon Conti was always looking for ways to serve God’s people.

Most recently he was the chaplain for the parish’s senior and pre-school devotions. Deacon Conti held the 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was a true community servant, serving as chaplain for both the Kennesaw Police Department and WellStar Kennestone Hospital. After retiring Deacon Conti enjoyed working part time at Publix. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and especially preparing the meals at family gatherings. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jo “Penny” Meadows Conti.

Deacon Conti is survived by his mother, Angie Conti, of Cortland, New York; four sons, Tony Conti, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Mike Conti, of Acworth; Chris Conti, of Woodstock; and Scott Conti, of Acworth; three sisters, Ann Sawyer, of Kennebunk, Maine; Joan Viscardi, of Brockport, New York; and Pamela Platt, of Cortland, New York; one sister-in-law, Deloris Allen, of Hinton, West Virginia; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass was celebrated March 6 at St. Catherine of Siena Church.