Richard Alan Dziura

Rich deeply loved his family. He and his wife, Sue (Schmidt), were married for, as Rich said, “44 years of marital bliss”, and were best friends. Their deep love for one another was evident by the joy shared between them and with others. Rich loved being Dad to sons Chris and Dave, and enjoyed sharing laughter, Scouts, and hobbies together. That affection has been shared with his grandson Christopher in big hugs, playing games, and doing arts and craft projects together.

Rich graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA) and was a member of the SAE fraternity, where he made deep and lasting friendships. Rich fully lived out the fraternity creed of The True Gentleman every day of his life.

As a man of strong faith, Rich gave generously of his time, talents, and treasure. He was very involved in church activities, where he shared his love of God with all ages through baptism preparation, Liturgy of the Word for Children, Youth Ministry, and the GIFT program at Our Lady of Mercy Church. He was presented the St. Joseph Archdiocesan Medal of Appreciation by Archbishop of Hartford Henry Mansell in 2008. Rich was a Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council #3544 and current member of Council #5237. He was also a longtime retreatant of Holy Family Retreat House, where he found peace and inspiration.

Rich’s selfless giving through the CROP Walk in the 80’s, Committee work with the local Boy Scout troop, and coordination of the weekend Bread Run for the Plainville Community Food Pantry, led to his receiving the Plainville Community Volunteer of the Year Award in 2006. He continued to give his time selflessly, despite his health limitations.

Following his son Chris’ footsteps, Rich joined the Bristol Choral Society. He is remembered for his solo of ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”. He then followed Chris in joining the Valley Chordsmen chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, where he found great friends, joy, and was honored to be inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2022. Upon moving to Colorado, Rich joined the Longs Peak Chorus where, again, barbershop friends shared great camaraderie and supported him throughout his disease progression.

Rich was an electrical project design engineer, with a PE license, and had worked at GE, Superior Electric, Able Coil, and retired from Giuffridda Electric. Upon retirement, he found great joy through 3rd Law Dance/Theater’s Dance for Parkinson’s program in Boulder, Expand Beyond’s adaptive water ski program, and SPARK pottery classes.

Besides his wife, Sue (Schmidt), Rich is survived by his son David, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and grandson Christopher of Lafayette, CO. He is also survived by his mother Therese Dziura of CT; brothers Steven (Susan) of OH, Stuart (Betty) of VA, and David (Michaela) of CT; sisters Lori (Steve) Therrien of AZ and Lisa (Grant) Hopkins of CT. Rich also leaves behind his daughter-in-law Whitney Perrine of KY, brother- and sister-in-law Chuck and Mary Ellen Schmidt of AZ, and Aunt Marie De Blois of MA, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rich was predeceased by his son Christopher Dziura, father Walter Dziura, and in-laws Henry and Marion Schmidt. Warm memories are left with many close friends in CT as well as in Miners Bay, ON where he vacationed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to CurePSP to fund research to find treatment and a cure; 3rd Law Dance/Theater for the Dance for Parkinson’s program, or the Plainville Community Food Pantry.

Rich’s family would like to extend their thanks to Atlas Desmond, for his dedication and care for Rich (and Sue) for the past year and a half. Atlas brought joy and comfort upon each visit.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St., Longmont, CO on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 3-5pm. A Mass and burial will take place at a later date in Plainville, CT.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com with his loving family.