A. Rick Colangeli

— A. Rick Colangeli, Old Lyme of Old Lyme, passed away Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. He was born Aug. 12, 1935, in New Rochelle, N.Y., the son of Americo and Mary Colangeli.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Carol of 60 years; his daughters, Anne Colangeli of Mass., and Julie Colangeli-Ferbert and her husband Scott Ferbert of Rhode Island; his son Steven Colangeli and fiancée Dovie Hunt of Vermont; and his step-grandchildren, Mason Ferbert and Maya Ferbert. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Arcara; and sister-in-law Patricia Ricciardi; and his nieces, Diane Boccanfuso and Laurel Ricciardi-Giardina; and nephews, Jim Arcara and Joe Ricciardi; and many close family members. He was predeceased by his cherished grandson, Aiden Ryder Colangeli; and his brothersin-law, Joe Ricciardi and Jack Arcara.

Rick was a U.S. Navy veteran serving for eight years and continued to serve the Navy as a civilian for 34 years until his retirement as a sonar engineering technician at the Naval Underwater Systems Center. He was a longtime member of the Old Lyme Fire Department for 53 years and he reached the rank of lieutenant. Rick was honored to be awarded Firefighter of the Year twice and receive the Chief’s Award.

He loved participating in the Wednesday evening activities at the firehouse, being in the honor guard for parades, helping out and mentoring new members, and being an active firefighter into his 70s! He had many good friends there who cared about him, and he loved and cared about them.

Rick excelled in woodworking and brush calligraphy. He continued to train in martial arts up to the age of 82, and enjoyed Tai Chi, reading and discussing history.

Rick’s proud legacy of service to our country and community, and the happy memories he created with his family, will live on through his wife and children and he will be forever in their hearts.

The family will receive relatives and friends from

3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme. A Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday,

Oct. 30, at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme. Interment will be held at the Duck River Cemetery following the church service. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme for tributes and directions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Old Lyme Fire Dept., P.O. Box 102, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or to the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern CT, 403 North Frontage Road, Waterford, CT 06385.