Richard Thomas Rae

Richard “Rich” Thomas Rae, 70, of Madison, CT succumbed to cancer on Monday April 20th, 2015 at Hospice in Branford. He was born on December 1st, 1944 in Bridgeport, CT. He married Katherine Kowalski of Branford on October 26th, 1968.

Rich is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter Beth (Allan) Rosenstein, son Richard Rae Jr., son Edward (Astrid) Rae, brother-in-law Fred Kowalski, sister-in-law Patricia Keegan, six grandchildren Claire, David, Richard, Taylor, Logan, Lucia, and loving extended family. Rich was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great friend.

Rich started his career in design and engineering as a draftsman for United Nuclear. A career change took him to the manufacturing of wire straightening and cutting machinery where he found his passion. With this knowledge Rich founded ERA Wire Inc. as a part-time venture in 1988. He continued to pursue his passion to the end with his son Richard Jr. and leaves a thriving family business as his legacy. He enjoyed golf, boating, camping and any gathering with family and friends (especially if there was a game of horseshoes involved). He had achieved the rank of Sergeant E5 of the First Squadron 26th Cavalry, Yankee Infantry Division of the National Guard where he served from January 1964 to January 1970.

A service will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, April 23rd at St. Margaret’s Church in Madison, CT. Burial will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. Friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22nd at the Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison (203) 245-2488.

Memorial donations in Rich’s honor can be made to: Disabled American Veterans www.dav.org or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

www.stjude.org