Born on September 26, 1946, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Richard Walter Tatar and Mary Elise (Fuselier) Tatar, Richard’s life journey took him from Texas to Erie, Pennsylvania, and eventually to Groton, Connecticut, where he spent the last 25 years building memories and connections that would last a lifetime.
Richard was a man who truly cherished the simple joys—especially time spent with his family and exploring the world through his computer. Though he retired after many years of hard work, his energetic spirit and love of staying active led him back into the workforce as a driver for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. There, he found not only purpose, but genuine camaraderie, forming friendships that meant a great deal to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Lanice Tatar; his dear friend, Donna Moon; and his great-granddaughter, McKinli Bauer.
Richard’s legacy lives on through his loving family: his children, Michele (Shawn) Allen, Kimberly (Brett) Lewis, Richard (Lori) Tatar, and Bekky (Rick) Kinsey; his cherished grandchildren, Richard D. Tatar, Dustin Tatar, Bryce Lewis, Brittlynn Lewis, Megan Allen, Abigail Kinsey, and Jack Kinsey; and his great-grandchild, Harrison Tatar, his brother Andre Tatar and sister Kris Tatar, who brought him great pride and joy.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard’s life at a viewing held at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home in Port Arthur on Thursday, April 23, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A burial service will follow on Friday, April 24, at 10:00 a.m., with interment at Memory Gardens.
Richard will be remembered for his warmth, his resilience, and the genuine joy he found in both the big moments and the everyday ones.
