POLETUNOW, RICHARD JOHN

Richard John (Dick) Poletunow of Cromwell, CT died at home on July 8, 2018. He was born July 22, 1946 in Tarentum, PA. Originally from Pirate (Buccos) and Steelers territory of Pennsylvania, Dick remained a lifelong fan. Besides sports, Dick was energized by writing and teaching. Despite his recent retirement from his position of Assistant Professor at St. Vincent College he continued to serve as an adjunct professor at Middlesex Community College. Well loved by his students, he was also an effective counseling therapist with a special interest in helping children and their families. Among his many activities, he was a foster parent, taught religious formation class and coached basketball. Dick had a gift for making friends across a vast network of social and business interactions. He was known and valued for his sharp, creative intellect that often provided a fresh and thought provoking insight on many issues. He will be greatly missed for his gentle humor, wisdom and caring heart by a broad range of friends, colleagues and students including extended family- Vanessa, Polly and TJ Weber, Marianne Blanco & Ramona Zaha; sisters: Sandy (Jim) DiCostanzo, Regina (Victor) Boerio and brother Mark (Margalita) Poletunow as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents John & Anne Poletunow.

Funeral and burial occurred July 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, but Dick’s family would like to invite family, friends and colleagues to gather with them for a memorial service on Sunday Sept. 23, 2018; 1-3 p.m. at Middlesex CC 100 Training Hill Rd Middletown, CT. Join them in honoring Dick by remembering and celebrating his life. Light refreshments will be provided.