Richard Richie Formica

Richard “Richie” Formica, Sr., 75, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of 27 years of Jo-Ann (Romano) Formica, was unexpectedly taken from this life on Monday, February 5, 2018 with his wife by his side at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford on July 1, 1942, he was the son of the late Paul and Salvatrice (Sipala) Formica. Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps-he was extremely proud of being a Marine and had a great love for his country. He worked for the MDC for 35 years. After his retirement, Richard was lucky enough to attain his dream job, becoming a crossing guard at the intersection of Avalon Place and Hartford Avenue in Old Wethersfield. He was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Rockville Elks Lodge and also a member of the Elks in Glastonbury. He belonged to the 25 Year Club at MDC and the Hardware City Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Richard enjoyed sitting on his deck, cooking, going out to eat and traveling, especially to Newport and Bar Harbor. He was a lover of cats, had a great sense of humor with a contagious smile and he was a master of one-liners. Richard enjoyed life to the fullest and will be forever missed by his wife and soulmate, Jo-Ann; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Antonio and Ann Bascetta, Orazio and Linda Romano and Paula Romano and Michael Adams; nieces and nephews: Donna, Thomas, Daniella, Thomas, William, Amy and Jessica; several great-nieces and great-nephews and a life-long friend, Frederick DiNardi. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Paul and Sebastian Formica; his sister, Lucille Bordanaro and husband Joe and his in-laws, Gaetano and Concetta (Pinnone) Romano.

Funeral services will begin on Saturday (February 10) at 9 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Military honors will take place promptly at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St., Hartford. Burial will be private. Family and friends may call on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to Cat Tales, P.O. Box 901, Middletown, CT 06457 or the Hardware City Detachment-Marine Corps League, P.O. Box 788, New Britain, CT 06050. To share a memory of Richard with his family, please visit www.desopo.com.