Richard M. Seethaler Sr.

Richard was born on May 13, 1942, in the Bronx, New York, to William and Catherine (Flaherty) Seethaler. He spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Waterbury and Wolcott, Connecticut. He is predeceased by his brother, Bill Seethaler.

Richard is survived by his children: Lisa C. Seethaler (husband Rick Baker), Richard M. Seethaler, Jr. (fiancé Beth Berinstein), James W. Seethaler (partner Patricia Knight), and Kathryn L. Seethaler (husband Joe Sills); and his beloved grandchildren Emily, Madison, Alanna, Olivia, Vita, and Leo. Richard is also survived by his former wife, Christine Seethaler.

Richard graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Villanova University. He later received his Master’s degree in Education as well as a Post-Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University. He completed an Advanced Leadership Program through the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Richard’s career in education and nonprofit resource development spanned nearly sixty years. He began as an elementary school teacher at St. Francis Xavier School in Waterbury, then worked as a middle school teacher and sports coach at St. Bridget’s School in Cheshire. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as principal of St. Lucy’s Elementary School in Waterbury. His desire to help schools and nonprofits supporting children led him to a new calling in development and fundraising. He served as Director of Development for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain and the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden. As a consultant, he helped many organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hartford, The Cove Center for Grieving Families, Jowonio of Syracuse, New York, The Curtis Home, and St. Mary Magdalen School. He also taught leadership and nonprofit management at Quinnipiac College and Goodwin College.

In 2012, Richard received the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden Alumni Association Hall of Fame Award for pioneering resource development efforts that impacted thousands of children.

Richard was an athlete and sports lover. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the Villanova Wildcats. He played football, baseball, and tennis. His favorite activity was running. He participated in many road races and half marathons, running well into his seventies.

Richard was a man of many talents, too many to list here. He was a college football referee, woodworker, painter, sculptor, carpenter, gardener, ballroom dancer, and cyclist. He loved movies and books, especially westerns, crime dramas, classic films and historical documentaries. His taste in music was wide-ranging. He loved the Eagles, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Simon and Garfunkel, Keith Urban, Spanish guitar instrumentals, Rod Stewart, Keith Urban, The Phantom of the Opera, America, and Chris Botti.

Richard will always be loved and remembered by his children and grandchildren. “We will miss all that he shared with us, including his brilliance, the ability to listen attentively without judgment, his quick wit and adorable laugh, his prolific creativity, a robust zest for adventure and fun, and an infinite love for his family that he generously expressed in many ways.”

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard’s life on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington, CT. From 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM, there will be the opportunity to share memories and eulogies in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/boysgirlsclubofmeriden/) or The Cove Center for Grieving Children (https://forms.covect.org/forms/in-loving-memory-of-richard-seethaler-1).