Richard Begley

Richard L. Begley, 69, of East Hartford, loving husband for 46 years to Patricia A. (Deary) Begley, peacefully journeyed Home on Saturday (December 3, 2011) with his caring family by his side. Born in Greenport, L.I., NY on January 13, 1942, a son of the late Clarence and Clara (D'Homergue) Begley, he had resided in East Hartford for the past 48 years. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy who served during the Vietnam Era. Prior to his retirement, Richard was a Chief Engineer for Peter Savin Properties/60 Washington Street, Hartford for 20 years and was later a Deputy Sheriff and Judicial Marshall for many years for the state of Connecticut. Richard was very active with the Democratic Party in the town of East Hartford for over 40 years where he served on multiple candidate campaigns, a Constable for 12 years, and a long-time member of the First District town committee. He was a member of the East Hartford Patriotic Commission and a former member and secretary of the town's ZBA. Richard gave back to his community by volunteering for many years on the Podunk Festival, River Fest, the Homeless Shelter annual Christmas party, the Greater Hartford Marathon, and as an umpire for the East Hartford Little League. In his free time, Richard enjoyed playing the game of Chess and being an avid loyal fan of the New York Yankees. Besides his beloved wife, Pat, Richard is survived by a son, Eric S. Begley and his wife, Jana, of East Hartford; two grandchildren, Dean Ackerman of Vernon, Tela Michaud and her husband, Robert, of East Hartford with whom he made his home; and a great-granddaughter, Jasmine Lee Michaud of East Hartford who was his pride and joy these past 15 months. He also leaves two sisters, Clara Sledjeski and her husband, Richard, of Greenport, L.I., NY, Lewann Cahill of Manorville, NY; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be Wednesday (December 7th) at 9 a.m. from the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will be at Veteran's Memorial Field-Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday (December 6th) from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard's name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com