Richard Dandanell

Richard Dillon Dandanell passed away December 24, 2022, at the age of 91 at his home in Brookfield, CT surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born on April 7, 1931, in Stamford, CT to the late Marie (Dillon) and Elof Dandanell.

Raised in Stamford, Richard graduated from Stamford High School in 1949. A veteran of the Korean War, Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952 as a Medical Technician at U.S. Army Hospital, Camp Pickett, VA. Richard married his beloved wife Mary Strelakos Dandanell on April 11, 1953. Richard was a loving husband and their romance lasted for 64 years until her death in 2017. Richard loved spending time working in his beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. He also enjoyed skiing, carpentry and building miniature houses. In his later years he became an avid soccer fan and enjoyed listening to Polka music. After retiring from the International Brotherhood of ElectriciansLocal 501 in 1993, Richard enjoyed traveling the U.S. and Canada with his wife, and spending as much time as possible with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild of whom he was very proud. He and Mary loved attending their sporting events, performances, graduations etc. Among his family’s fondest memories are the annual family vacations at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

A loving, caring family man, he was our rock, a strong and quiet presence his family and extended family could depend on. His home was always open to all family and friends, and where family holidays and get-togethers were held.

Richard is survived by his four children Maureen Dandanell, Denise Gearin, Richard F. Dandanell and Ann Margaret Capossela (Chris), four grandchildren Lance Gearin (Emily), Elise Gearin (Peter), Rick Capossela and Kate Capossela, and greatgrandson Peter D. Schaedler. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Janice Dandanell and Pat Strelakos as well as cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Richard was predeceased by his brothers, Robert Dandanell and Donald Dandanell, and sister Margaret Olsen.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, (163 Whisconier Rd., Brookfield, CT) on Saturday February 18, 2023, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Richard to his favorite charity Shriners Hospitals for Children via donate.lovetotherescue.org