Mr. Richard "Rick" Willis

He was born on December 6, 1953 in Wilkes-Barre, PA the son of John and Sophie (Casper) Willis. He graduated Plains High School in 1971.

Rick played bass in many local bands and also did sign painting throughout the Wyoming Valley. He moved to Old Lyme in 1980 where he met his

future wife Laurie A. Bugbee. They married in June 1986 and had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. For the last ten years, Richard had been employed

by Dealer Trak as a Computer Systems Administrator. People who knew Rick appreciated his keen intellect and wicked sense of humor. A talented musician,

he played many instruments, but jazz bass was his greatest love. He leaves behind a multitude of dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Besides his wife he is survived by his mother Sophie of Plains, PA, his brother Dave, also of Plains and wife Karlyn and their daughter Lacey; his brother Jack and wife Maureen of

Orangevale, CA and children Sherri, David and Caitlin; his mother-in-law Jane E. Bugbee, his brother in law Richard Bugbee of Providence, RI and daughters Jane, Mary and Ellen; his sister in law Carol Cieszynski and

husband Ken of Naperville, IL and children Heather, Kimberly and John. He will also be missed terribly by his beloved dog Scout.

His wife would like to thank dear friends Pete and Patty Decker and Chris and Sarah May.

Contributions in his memory can be made to the Old Lyme Land Trust.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 2:00pm in First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, directions and Rick's biography.