Richard M. Strukus

Richard spent most of his life on the Connecticut shoreline, where he developed an early and enduring love for swimming, fishing, Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach, the Connecticut River, and the ocean. He was born in Branford on March 30, 1933, to the late Mary (Kasheta) Strukus and Michael Strukus and grew up in Essex, where he attended Pratt High School. At 17, he joined the Army and saw combat in the Korean War. After he was discharged, he embarked on many sea-and-sound-going adventures, swordfishing off Montauk Point and Block Island with a close-knit group of fishing buddies, scuba diving, and working in undersea construction. He met his beloved wife, Frances, at a dance, and they married and raised their family in Deep River. Blessed with an early retirement from the State of Connecticut, he immersed himself in his favorite sport, soccer, and became a referee for middle school and high school soccer matches throughout the shoreline.

He was an active member in his community, in his younger days as a member of the Essex Volunteer Fire Department, and then supporting the Deep River and Westbrook Fife and Drum Corps, assisting annually with the Deep River Muster, serving on the Deep River Ambulance Board, and volunteering as the town dog warden. He was a regular, active, and occasionally rabble-rousing participant at Deep River Town Hall meetings, where he also provided tech support and video recording. He was a devout member of St. Joseph’s Church, volunteering in many capacities and also serving as church sexton. He counted the many priests who guided St. Joseph’s over the last 60 years among his closest friends. He liked to help people, and he did so without fuss or fanfare. He was, reliably, someone who would assist with any project, no matter its size or scope.

He was passionate about animals of all kinds, and was a trusted companion to many cats, dogs, rabbits, skunks, birds, and goldfish over the course of his life. There was a special place in his heart for wildlife, and he had a gift for nursing wounded, abandoned, and orphaned birds, squirrels, racoons, and possums back to health and returning them to the wild.

When health issues impaired his speech and mobility, he developed new ways to contribute to his community at Chestelm Health and Rehabilitation in Moodus. He learned that a wave, a smile, and a well-timed joke could brighten the days of staff and fellow patients, and while he longed to do more, he had faith that these small acts of kindness could make a difference.

Richard was extremely grateful for the spiritual support of Saint John Paul II Parish, Deacon Dan D’Amelio, and Saint Bridget’s Lady’s Guild, and for the care and affection of his Chestelm nurses, CNAs, physical therapists, recreational therapists, cooking staff, and laundry, cleaning, and facilities staff. He felt lucky to be surrounded by not just caregivers, but people he considered friends.

Richard was proud to be part of a loving and extensive family. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances, his sister Mary Ann Hotkowski, and his brother Michael Strukus, Jr., and is survived by his children Christopher and Wanda (Rob Kilburn), his sister-in-law Ann Satagaj and brother-in-law Ron Restelli, and the many nieces and nephews whose lives and accomplishments he followed with interest and delight.

Visitation for Richard will be on Friday, March 28th from 9:30am-10:30am at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook, CT. A Funeral Mass will follow immediately after at 11:00am at Saint Joseph's Church, 48 Middlesex Avenue in Chester, CT. The rendering of Military Honors will follow the Mass on the grounds of the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be in made to the Essex Veterans Memorial Hall, which provides local Veterans honorable recognition, community service, civic interest, and a venue for fellowship. Essex Veterans Memorial Hall, P.O. Box 142, Centerbrook, CT, 06409