Richard S. Dormer
Richard S. (“Dick”) Dormer, age 95, a longtime resident of Shelton, entered into rest on Monday August 9, 2021 in Hamden Health Care. He was the devoted husband of the late Doris L. Bunnell Dormer. He was born in Bernardsville, NJ on May 6, 1926 son of the late Frank J. and Lorretta (DeGirarde) Dormer. In 1944 he answered the call to duty as a Seaman in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served in the Pacific Ocean theatre of World War ll as a coxswain of an LCVP transport (AKA “Higgins boat”). He married Doris Lillian Bunnell in July of 1952 in East Hanover, NJ. They lived in a house that Dick built just up the street from his childhood home. The Dormers went on to have three sons, Richard G, Michael, and Frank. Being a child of the Depression, many of his fondest memories revolved around camping and other activities with the Boy Scouts. He was a member of the Boy Scouts for 80 years and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. He was also an active member of the Huntington Congregational Church and served as a Deacon.
Dick was an engineer for 28 years at PTA Corporation until his retirement in 1993, which concluded with a large party jam packed with all the people whose lives he had touched along the way. He was concerned about not having enough to do upon his retirement, but he wound up filling his days with various clubs at the Shelton Senior Center. His interests were varied; he joined the photography club (photography was a lifelong passion) and the organ club. He also spent a good portion of his retirement restoring his beloved Model A Ford and was a member of the Auto Memories car club in Naugatuck. He also loved going to Maine with his family, his beloved late dog
Tyler, the UCONN Women’s Basketball team, and had the biggest sweet tooth for root beer and almost anything chocolate. He is the beloved father of the late Richard G. Dormer, as well as Michael and Frank Dormer, fatherin-law of Victoria Dormer (deceased), loving Poppa of Jaimee, Jeffrey, Christopher, Sam, and Max and Uncle to Nancy Avers and Michelle Harrison. He was predeceased by his brother Franklyn C. Dormer.
He was a sociable, loving, generous, prideful, resilient, wonderful man with an infectious laugh, and the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. A doting and fully present Poppa, he loved his grandchildren with his entire being and was actively involved in all of their lives. Family was everything to Dick - if his family was happy, he was happy. Although Dick came from humble beginnings, he proudly built an abundant life over the course of almost a century. He was inspired and driven by his strongwilled Mother’s motto; “Make it Happen”! With that simple, yet powerful mantra as his foundation,
Dick walked through life with true grit and a quiet faith that fortified his ability to courageously conquer life’s obstacles and overcome heartbreak. Dick was witty and wise…he had a curious nature and a love of learning that led him to earning a lifetime of remarkable achievements and commendable accomplishments! This one-of-a-kind man, rolled up his sleeves and with a firm resolve believed that he could and would “Make it Happen”! Friends may call on Friday Aug. 20, 2021 from 4 pm to 5:45 pm at the Riverview Funeral Home 390 River Rd. Shelton. His funeral service will begin at 5:45 in the funeral home with Rev. Lucille Fritz, pastor of the Huntington Congregational Church, Officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Housatonic Council Boy Scouts, 111 New Haven Ave, #10, Derby, CT 06418. Leave online condolences at www.riverviewfh. com