Richard Seckla

Richard Seckla, 75, of Oak Street, Lyme, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 14th at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 18, 1934, in Middletown, the son of John and Mary (Wollack) Seckla and John's second wife, Mary (Sepega) Seckla.

Richard was a lifelong resident of the Lyme-Old Lyme area. In 1950, he became the first person to attain the rank of Eagle Scout for the Lyme-Old Lyme District. A 1952 graduate of Old Lyme High, Richard enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean Conflict. It was during this time in the service while stationed on the West Coast, that he would meet his future wife of 54 years, Diana (McFadden) Seckla. After leaving the Navy, he worked for Electric Boat as an electrician, retiring in 1995, after 38 years of service.

An avid gardner, Richard was known for his devotion to his vegetable garden, as well as his many blueberry bushes. He was also a lifelong follower of the Red Sox, as well as an ardent fan of the UCONN basketball teams.

Richard is survived by his wife, Diana; his son Richard Seckla of Old Lyme; his daughter Lori Dolishny and her husband Michael, also of Old Lyme; his sister Marguerite Bezanson and her husband Al of Waterford and his brother John Seckla of Old Lyme. He was predeceased by his brother Harold Seckla of Westbrook.

Richard is also survived by five grandchildren; Michael Seckla and his wife Sarah of Derry, NH; Timothy Seckla of East Lyme; and Diana, Michael, and Lauren Dolishny of Old Lyme; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 2pm at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith La., Old Lyme. Burial with military honors will follow in Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme. A visiting hour will be held for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Lyme Ambulance Assoc., the Old Lyme Ambulance Assoc., or to Christ The King Church Building Fund.