Richard Zollett, 90, of San Angelo passed away on Wednesday, October 7th, 2020. He was born January 3rd, 1930 in Stafford, Connecticut to Jane and Ernest Zollett. Richard attended Stafford High School and graduated in the class of 1948. After high school, Richard attended a trade school in Willimantic, Connecticut, where he learned Architectural Drafting. In September of 1951, Richard entered the US Army. He trained at Camp Chaffe, Arkansas. He was a member of the 47th Infantry Battalion Company C, 5th Armored Division.
After Basic Training, he was sent to South Korea. Richard was singled out upon arrival to work on the creation of maps due to his drafting experience. He worked under Major John Eisenhower, son of General Dwight D. Eisenhower who was elected president later that year. Richard was honorably discharged in 1953 after the Korean War ended. Richard then began his career in Aircraft Engine Design, working for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft as a mechanical draftsman.
He married Theresa on November 22, 1956 and they had one child. He was a proud member of The Polish Club and had a passion for dancing to polka music with his wife. He will always be remembered for his love of the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Theresa and his brother, Ernest (Sonny) Zollett. Richard is survived by his son Brian Zollett and wife, Marissa; his granddaughter, Brianna Marie; his sister, Ruth Decozio; his nieces and nephews, Karen Collier, Marita Wiley, Carol Borgeson, Janice Sayles, Mary Jo Davis, Betty Jane Zollett, Michael Zollett and Rickey Zollett.
A rosary will be held Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 2 pm in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at 6 PM, Sunday, October 18, 2020, at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Richard will later fly back to Stafford, Connecticut, to be buried next to his wife in St. Edwards Cemetery.
