Richard M. Pires

Richard Manuel Pires, 70, loving husband and devoted father, departed this world peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Rich was born on January 12, 1951 in Hartford, a son of the late Anthony J. Pires Sr. and Alice (Lopes) Pires, and he had been a life-long resident of East Hartford. On October 21, 1978, he married the love of his life Patricia (Garufi) Pires, and few years later they were blessed with their son. Rich was a graduate of George J. Penney High School in East Hartford, class of 1969, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and his Master’s Degree in Industrial Management, both at CCSU. He also went on to complete additional graduate level courses at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Rich proudly retired from Triumph Engine Control Systems in 2019 after an outstanding 47 years of service.

Outside of work, Rich enjoyed exploring new travel destinations with his wife, though their most favorite place to visit was Cape Cod, relaxing in the shade and catching sunsets on the beach. Additionally, he was an involved member of the Mt. Carmel/St. Cristina and Our Lady of Grace Societies. Rich held various positions on the Mt. Carmel/St. Cristina board of directors and was a member of the scholarship committee board. Rich enjoyed club events including New York Yankees games, casino bus trips, and dances. He never turned down an opportunity to public speak given his designation as a distinguished Toastmaster. Rich was a committed father and husband who enjoyed spending time with family at dinners, sporting events, and other gatherings. During his son’s childhood, Rich earned a service award for his dedication to volunteering as a YMCA youth floor hockey coach.

In addition to his beloved wife Pat of over 42 years, Rich is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Rich and Lindsey (Krok); a sister, Natalie Chirico; a brother, Anthony “Tony” Pires and his wife JoAnne; his father-in-law, Dominick Garufi; a sister-in-law, Christina Morrow; a sister-in-law, Victoria and her husband Luis Cordeiro; and several cherished nieces, nephews, godchildren, and dear friends. The family would like to extend a very special thank you Dr. Bob T. Li, his nurse Lizzy Sieverding, and all the support staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for their many years of unwavering devotion and care. Rich’s family are also thankful for the compassionate care provided to Rich at the Helen & Henry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital.

Funeral service will be Thursday (May 27th) at 9:45 am from the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 am at St. James Roman Catholic Church of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Rich’s family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday (May 26th) from 3 – 7 pm during “walk-through” calling hours at the funeral home chapel. It is recommended that everyone still wear a face covering and adhere to the regulations of the church and funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Richard M. Pires may be made to support Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center using the following link: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/RichardMPires. Checks, made payable to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, may be mailed to: Attn: Community Fundraising, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Office of Development, P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087. Please indicate on the memo line that the gift is in memory of Richard M. Pires. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.