Richard F. Slattery

09/23/2021

Richard Slattery, 74, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully at the Veterans’ Hospital Hospice Unit on September 23, 2021 following a brave battle with ALS. Born in New Haven on July 28, 1947, son of the late Muriel Bonner Slattery Russell and the late Frank Slattery. He was the stepson of the late H. Sidney Russell. He was the beloved husband of 51 years of Neva Mattioli Slattery. He graduated from Eli Whitney Technical High School. Rich proudly served his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of drill Sargent E5 during the Vietnam era. Rich had a strong work ethic which included teaching auto tech classes and owning and operating several businesses including S&R foreign auto repair with his stepfather, The Wine Merchant, and House of Forms.

Rich loved Rock and Roll, especially The Beatles, and was a “regular” on Connecticut Bandstand. Rich was always busy, always willing to help and to lend his expertise in many areas. Rich could repair anything, often inventing a replacement for an important unavailable part. He also crafted furniture, decks, many kinds of do-it-yourself creations and undertook interior and exterior renovations. Rich was a consummate animal lover who doted on the pets he and Neva adopted. Rich and Neva enjoyed travel to Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and their Florida vacation home. They also enjoyed exchanging practical jokes among family and friends.

Rich loved the town of Wallingford and was proud to call it home. His hobbies were his classic cars and skillfully playing the stock market. He will be greatly missed by many family members, friends and colleagues. It pains our hearts to lose him but we shall never lose the warm memories he has given us.

In addition to his wife, is survived by his sister Rosalind (Vincent) Marottoli, his nephew Vincent R. (Anastasia) Marottoli, his niece Maria (Kevin) Kavanaugh, two great nephews and two great nieces. He leaves behind a large extended family in England and many close friends, including the extended Marottoli family and the Asselin, Cremin, and Carranza families in MA. Neva and the family would especially like to thank dear friends Carlene Durand and Paul Cifaldi, Ed and Adrienne Neva Boteler, and Vicki and Wayne Pacileo whose assistance and care have brought great comfort over the past several months. A special thanks is also given to the West Haven VA Hospital and Masonicare Wallingford for the wonderful care given to Rich.

His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., on Thursday, Sept. 30th, from 9 to 10:30am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 10:30am. Interment with military honors will follow in Center Street Cemetery in Wallingford. Gifts in his memory may be sent to either: the CT Humane society (www. cthumane.org). or to Center Street Cemetery, 1 Center St., Wallingford, CT 06492.

www.wallingfordfh.com