Richard Sherman Twombly

Richard was born in Milford on May 16, 1955, the son of the late Leon C. and Mary (Baldwin) Twombly. He attended Manchester High School and, at the age of 17, enlisted in the United States Navy. During his service, Richard traveled the world aboard the USS Hawkins and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged after proudly serving his country.

Richard later spent 30 years working for Hartford Distributors before his retirement and was a proud member of the New England Teamsters. He raised his family in Hebron with his late wife, Gail, where they built a life filled with family, friends, and many cherished memories.

Rich was known above all for his strong faith and his desire to bring others closer to God. He was a kind and gentle soul, a devoted family man, and a loyal friend to all who knew him. A natural storyteller, Rich loved making people laugh and sharing stories from his years at Hartford Distributors, his adventures in the Navy, and the many experiences he collected throughout his life.

Rich had a curiosity and enthusiasm for the things he loved. He enjoyed flea markets, antiquing, and collecting, and he was especially proud of his collection of Budweiser trucks and cars. He loved the beach, gardening, cooking, music of all kinds, and animals. He could talk about food for hours and found great joy in sharing meals and conversations with the people he loved. He also enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, affectionately named “Grace,” and treasured the freedom and memories that came with his years on the road.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret “Meg” Stetson Twombly; his son, Sean C.H. Twombly, his wife, Elsa Languasco, and their daughter, Emilia Gail, of Ave Maria, Florida; and his daughter, Michelle Courtroul, her husband, Jaime, and their child, Kaya, of Aptos, California.

He is also survived by his siblings, Leon C. Twombly and his wife, Mary; John W. Twombly and his wife, Susan; and Elizabeth Wilson and her husband Art Thornton; as well as his stepsons, Charles D. DeLeo and Samuel B. DeLeo.

Richard also leaves behind many beloved members of the Ainslie and Stetson families, including Linda Tuller; Larry and Barb Ainslie; Bill and Dorothy Stetson; Dan Stetson; MaryBeth Stetson-Welch; and Cathy and Jamie DeRienzo, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his furry friends, Leon and PeteyGene.

In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his sister, Linda Chase; his brother-in-law, John Tuller; his sister-in-law, Jan Twombly; and his brother-in-law, Lee Welch.

In recognition of Richard’s service to his country, a military send-off with honors will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook

Boulevard, Wethersfield. Following the military honors, the family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral chapel from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Valley Bible Church, 220 Turkey Hill Road, Haddam. Burial will take place in Hartwick, New York, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For online expressions of condolence to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com