Richard L. Valentukonis

Richard L. Valentukonis, 82, of Rocky Hill, beloved husband for 40 years of the late Elizabeth (Slomski) Valentukonis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford on May 8, 1943, he was the son of the late Leon and Margaret G. (Moir) Valentukonis. Richard was a graduate of E.C. Goodwin Technical High School and served proudly in the United States Marine Corps for four years during the Vietnam War. He went on to work at the Dattco Bus Company for many years, then the State of CT as a DMV Inspector with the nickname “Dicky V”, retiring after 25 years of dedicated service, and ultimately returning to Dattco part-time during retirement.

His favorite activities include attending and watching his grandchildrens’ sporting events. He was an avid sports fan and supporter of the UConn Huskies and Boston Red Sox. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his extended family at the VFW, where he served as a proud member.

A loving father and grandfather, Richard will be forever missed by his sons, Mark Valentukonis and wife Joyce of Wethersfield and Robert Valentukonis of San Jose, CA and his six adored grandchildren, Landon, Logan, Dylan, Gabriella, Emma and Abigail. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to his wife and parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother and sister, Bruce and Joyce Valentukonis, respectively.

Calling hours will be Monday, June 9 from 8-9:15 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 31 Biruta Street, New Britian. Burial with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Britian. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284. To share a memory of Richard, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com