Richard "Dick" Traini
Mar 27, 1949 -
Sep 4, 2026
Dick Traini passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 77.
Born March 27, 1949, to Maxine Elizabeth Gow and Anthony Richard Traini, Dick came to Alaska in 1971, while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He completed 22 years of military service and made Anchorage, Alaska, his permanent home. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and a professional certificate in planning.
Above all, Dick was the patriarch of his family. Nothing was more important to him. He was a patient, kind and generous father—omnipresent, active and deeply involved in the lives of his children. He was generous with his love, his praise and his time, always present for the big and small moments in his family's lives. He regularly told all his children and grandchildren how he loved them, and was proud of them. Dick never held a grudge, forgave easily and would take you under his wing if you needed a friend. His life was a life of quiet, consistent acts of service, always helping his friends, neighbors and community.
He was married to his wife, Sandy, for nearly 59 years. Together they raised eight children in Anchorage. Dick balanced decades of public service with unyielding commitment to his family.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Maxine Elizabeth Gow and Anthony Richard Traini. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Sandy; Rick and Katie Traini, Shawn and Kelley Traini, Daniel Traini, Philip and Becky Traini, Katrina Traini, David and Jennifer Traini, Joshua and Jackie Traini, and RoseAnna Traini; grandchildren, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Alexandria, Madison, Brandon, Elise, Connor, Haley, Caleb, Tristan, Talan, Brody, Cara, Brooklyn, Aria, Erin, Tyler, Abigail, Harper and Norah; and two great-grandchildren, Sophie and Gordon.
Dick first won election to the Anchorage Assembly in 1991, representing Midtown (District 4). Over nonconsecutive terms totaling nearly 20 years, 1991–1995, 2001–2008 and 2010–2019, he became the longest-serving member since the city-borough unification. He was elected Assembly chair five times: 1993–1995, 2001–2005, 2008–2011 and 2014–2018. Fearless and deeply committed to the public good, Dick acted without regard for political cost. He advanced a strict DUI ordinance, created Anchorage's network of dog parks, developed Abbott Loop Community Park, banned smoking in indoor public places and enclosed workplaces, and strengthened Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards for the Municipality of Anchorage. He secured public ownership of Waldron Lake, now Marci Waldron Trent Park, after years of determined effort. A fixture at community council meetings across the city, he consistently prioritized public safety and the everyday concerns of the people he represented.
A service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2026, followed by a celebration of life, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9475 East Bogard Road in Palmer, Alaska.
Flowers may be sent to Legacy Funeral Home in Wasilla. The family also welcomes acts of service in Dick's memory in lieu of, or in addition to, flowers.
