Richard Greika

New London — Richard “Richie” Greika, 69, of New London died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. He was born in Manchester on June 18, 1950, the son of Thaddaeus and Elaine Smith Greika.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Air Force. He had been employed at the Electric Boat Company in Groton as a structural designer. His wife of 20 years, Karen Sullivan Mugovero Greika survives him.

Mr. Greika loved fishing and boating, and was an excellent carpenter. Following a stroke, he became well known for his blue scooter, which gave him his independence. He frequented shopping at Stop & Shop and Cumberland Farms for his maple doughnuts and candy bars. He enjoyed the Monday night car shows at Ocean

Beach, and visiting Fort Trumbull and watching people fish.

In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by a son Michael Greika and his wife, Crystal, of Warwick, R.I.; son Joseph Mugovero III of Manchester; daughter Kerry Collazo of Manchester; brother David Greika of California; and grandchildren, Brayden and Austin Greika, Giana and Joseph Mugovero, and Christina and Nick Collozo. He was predeceased by his brother Tom Greika.

Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Condolences may be shared on Richard’s memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.