Our hearts are broken. On April 18, 2018, Richard (Dick) Dondero passed away while surrounded by his loving wife of 54 years Joy (Drechsler) and his children who adored him beyond words. Dick was raised in Wallingford, graduated from Lyman Hall High School, served two years in the Navy and went on to graduate from The University of Hartford. Dick worked as a Design Engineer at United Technology Research Center for 25 years, retiring in 1992 to spend more time with his wife, family and fishing poles. Dick was an amazing self-taught craftsman. Dick and Joy’s homes in Clinton, Connecticut and Jupiter, Florida reflect the detail, creativity and determination with which Dick approached every project. Dick was known as the “Legend of Jupiter Inlet” because of his great fishing prowess. We will forever think of him when we see a school of fish jumping off the beach. Dick’s faith was truly important to him and he was a long time parishioner of St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation in Clinton and St. Jude Catholic Church in Jupiter where he had his favorite pew.
His five children and nine children are evidence of Dick’s greatest talent and achievement — being an amazing father, grandfather and unwavering rock of the family. Dick led by example, always putting family first. He will be forever remembered and greatly missed.
In addition to his wife Joy, Dick is survived by his children Lisa (Palma) and her husband Michael and their children Matthew, Samantha, Jack and Charlotte; Kathy (Monnes) and her husband Jeff and their children Caroline, Christopher and Colin; Mark and his wife Tami and their daughter Katie; and Rick and his fiancée Marilyn and his son Michael. Dick is also survived by his brother Donald and his wife MaryAnne of Wallingford and by so many who were proud to call him Uncle Dick.
Dick is now reunited with his beloved son Michael who passed away tragically in 1986 and with his mother Nancy and father Frank.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 22nd, from 2-6pm at Swan Funeral Home, 80 E. Main St., Clinton. Guests are invited to meet directly at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 54 Grove St., Clinton, on Monday April 23rd, at 11am to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Clinton.
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