Obituary of Eugene H. Richards

Eugene “Gene” H. Richards, 92, passed away on May 3, 2020. Born Nov. 8, 1927 to James and Mary (Roverano) Richards, he was a lifetime resident of Glastonbury and a graduate of Glastonbury High School Class of 1946 where he was voted best looking and most humorous. He was married for 67 years to Rosemarie (DeFelice) and they enjoyed many years traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Las Vegas, St. Maarten, Bermuda, Aruba and Acapulco as well as taking many cruises with their friends. After Dad retired, they were most happy spending their winter months in Naples, FL. Gene enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and UConn Women’s Basketball games. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War and was past owner and operator of Richards’ Service Station. Gene made life-long friends wherever he went and was always happy to help anyone. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his two dedicated daughters and their spouses, Diane and Richard Donofrio, Jr., Carol-Ann and Jeff Pelligrinelli both of Glastonbury and a son Brother Paul of the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, New York, grandchildren Scott, Gina and Jeffrey Pelliginelli and step-grandchildren, Brent and Scott Donofrio. He took pride in all of their personal and professional accomplishments. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews including Joanne (Dave) Ellsworth and Nancy Richards (Jim) whose regular visits brought Dad much joy. He also loved seeing his grand nieces/nephews Emily, Julia and Owen and cherished all of the cards that they sent. Gene was also predeceased by his brother, Francis. We want to thank all of the nurses at Hartford Hospital who cared for him and were there for Dad when we couldn’t be. We will always remember you taking time out of your busy days to let us keep in touch with him during this very difficult time. We also want to thank the caregivers who cared for Mom and who became friends and good company for Dad. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Abbey of the Genesee, 3258 River Road, Piffard, NY 14533 or online at geneseeabbey.org. Funeral service and burial will be private. There are no calling hours