Obituary of Rosemarie D. Richards

Rosemarie “Ro” Richards, 91, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2020. She was married for 67 years to Eugene “Gene” Richards who passed away on May 3 2020. Born December 21, 1928 to Joseph and Margaret (Raffone) DeFelice, she was born and raised on Bond Street in Hartford’s South End and graduated in 1947 from Bulkeley High School. After marrying Gene on April 25,1953 she made the big move from the city to Glastonbury. She was a devoted catholic who was a past member of the St. Augustine Altar Guild. She was also commissioned to become a Eucharistic Minister where she served at St. Paul Church. She loved watching all kinds of sports. She was an avid fan of the New England Whalers, purchasing season tickets so we could all enjoy the games. She and Gene never missed watching the Boston Red Sox or UConn Women’s Basketball games together. She was on a duckpin bowling team and also played golf. Her most memorable golf experience was a hole-in-one at Minnechaug Golf Course which was witnessed by her nephew Bob. In addition to sports, she also loved baking, making her special spaghetti sauce, fried dough and shopping for clothes or jewelry with “bling”. She enjoyed trips to the casinos and won a brand new car when the slot machine stopped on 777. After receiving her first Hummel as a gift from her children, her love for the figurines grew into a very impressive collection. She and Gene enjoyed many vacations to various islands and throughout the US. Las Vegas was one of their favorite destinations where Mom got a kick out of it when Siegfried (from the Siegfried & Roy Show) picked her out of the audience and gave her a kiss. After many vacations, they decided that Naples, FL was the place to spend their winters. Mom made friends easily and, as the caption reads in her yearbook, “Those who have seen “Ro” remember her radiant smile, and because of that are always glad to see her again. She has proven that a smile can win many friends”. This was so true. To match her smile, she had a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor. Rosemarie leaves behind her two devoted daughters and their spouses, Diane and Richard Donofrio, Carol-Ann and Jeff Pelligrinelli, both of Glastonbury and a son, Brother Paul of the Abbey of Genesee in Piffard, NY, who she looked forward to visiting each year. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Scott, Gina and Jeffrey Pelligrinelli and step-grandchildren Brent and Scott Donofrio as well as several nieces and nephews including Joanne (Dave) Ellsworth, Nancy (Jim) Richards who always made their visits memorable ones. Emily, Julia and Owen brought much joy to Aunt Ro with their cards, gifts and stories. In addition to her husband, Rosemarie was predeceased by her two sisters and their spouses, Margaret (Jim) Barone and Josephine (Tony) Iovanna. The family would like to thank the many caregivers whose dedication and compassion helped them care for their Mom and keep her home for as long as possible. To the Staff at Touchpoint at Bloomfield, they also appreciate all that you did while their Mom was in your care. Mulryan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. There are no calling hours and the funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Abbey of the Genesee, 3258 River Road, Piffard, NY 14533 or online at www.Geneseeabbey.org. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.