Richard Calkins

Paxton, Mass. — Richard Rogers Calkins, 90, formerly of Paxton, Mass., passed away peacefully May 6, 2022. Richard, “Dick,” was married for 62 years to the late Anne Littlefield Peck Calkins, who passed in 2015. Richard was born in New Haven on Aug. 23, 1931, to the late Emory and Alberta Rogers Calkins. He was also predeceased by his brothers: John “Jack” Emory Jr., Thomas, William and David. Dick was raised in Niantic, and in his earlier years, was an athlete participating in baseball, football and basketball at the Bulkeley School in New London. He attended the University of Connecticut on a baseball scholarship and was drafted by the then New York Giants baseball team. He served his country during the Korean

War in the National Guard and U.S. Army for two years before starting his career in marketing with Suburban Propane, Hardwick Stove and Home Gas Corp.

Dick and Anne married May 1, 1952, in Niantic, and raised their children primarily in Falmouth, Maine, and Worcester, Mass., before moving to Great Barrington, Mass., where they spent their later working years and early retirement years while enjoying the culture of the Berkshires. Dick enjoyed his landscaping projects and his dogs, Stocky and Bogie. He and Anne loved their trips to the Caribbean, and European river cruises with Bill and Jane Calkins and weekends with the Calkins crew on Griswold Island; also skiing and weekends on Moshier Island, Maine, with longtime friends, the Harrimans. Dick was involved as a coach in the Jessie Burkett Little League and served as manager and president of West Side Babe Ruth. He also volunteered many hours with the Worcester Swim Club. He and Anne started their children with a love of sports and the outdoors.

He is survived by his four daughters: Donna Sansoucy, her husband John of Worcester, Mass., and their children, Thomas and Carly, Karen Calkins, of Holland, Mass., Lisa and her daughter Heidi Kurpaska and Lori; also his son John Calkins and his partner Jen Grow of Northampton and their children, Beckett, Sophie and Emme. The older grandchildren remember Grandma and Grandpa camps and Grandpa’s grilled cheese and milkshakes.

The family would like to thank Auburn Life Care Center for his recent care, and especially Luz H. for her caregiving. Memorial contributions can be made directly to East Lyme Historical Society or the Waterford Connecticut Humane Society. Burial will be a private graveside ceremony at a later date.