Richard, John J

On Monday, March 6, 2023, John James Richard (Jim) passed away. He was born in Teaneck, New Jersey to John B. and Evelyn M. Richard. He grew up in Cresskill, NJ and has since resided most of his years in Connecticut. His love for music began at a young age and continued throughout his life. He was a skilled saxophone artist and held music and the arts close to his heart. He served in the US Navy from 1965-1971 and was deployed to Vietnam and served as a coxswain on a brown boat. He was awarded three bronze stars for his bravery and leadership in the war. He was proud of his service and comradery with other vets. His career was spent as a training specialist in IT applications, and his later years were spent in the education field where he mostly enjoyed teaching music. He filled his life with sailing, fly fishing, cooking, camping, supporting all the kids fun, and gigging.

He is survived by lifelong friend and mother of his children Dot Richard Sinchuk; his children Marcelle and Peter Gavin of Collinsville, CT and their children Conner and Carter, Jennifer and Paul Ojala Jr. of Coventry CT and their children Nathan and Sophia, and John T. and Nicole Richard of South Kingstown RI and their children Lydon and Luke. As well as Sister Lynn and David Blake of Roslindale, MA and their children Jesse and Joshua. The gift of laughter was never lost on a person he met. Especially with his Jersey Boys. We will miss him! Calling hours will be held on March 30th from 10:0010:30 am at the Rocky Hill State Veterans Hospital Chapel at 287 West Street with a service at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in the State Veteran Cemetery in Middletown where full military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be made to hornsforkids.org. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www. doolittlefuneralservice.com.