Obituary of Richard Edward Wilton
Richard Edward Wilton 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones on May 28, 2024 after a courageous fight at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. Born on December 18, 1936 in Hartford, CT he was the son of the late Harry Than Wilton and Mildred Getske . In his younger years he lived in West Hartford and had many accomplishments both academically and athletically. While attending college he played basketball and pitched in the Twilight League. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hartford, he embarked on a highly successful art/advertising career. Richard's talents exceeded most as he became a great sculptor, photographer, teacher and writer. While he had many challenging assignments with local insurance companies and businesses, including G Fox & Co., his most recent and beloved project was his art studio “Studio 24” at Hopewell Road where he gave many free lectures and helped several local artists develop their joy of painting and skill. Richard’s most treasured possession was his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for whom he loved to create children’s books, as he was a great storyteller. He was known around Glastonbury as “the sunflower painter” and he filled his studio with many drawings and paintings of sunflower scenes from Roses’ Berry Farm and from his meticulously maintained flower garden. He had a green thumb, and his flower gardens were something you might admire in a magazine. He once built a fieldstone patio with an 8’ fountain in the center.
He enjoyed playing a competitive game of bocci at the Matson Hill Club or in any backyard. Watching a baseball game, especially one that matched the Yankees vs. the Red Sox was something he always looked forward to. Richard loved to laugh boldly and have deep and meaningful discussions about life and spirituality. He also loved a good meal and always went back for seconds, maybe even thirds on Thanksgiving. He was a sought-after partner for his dancing abilities at weddings and parties, taught by his mom, better known as “Monya”. He never left the house without a spit shine, One of his favorite sayings, which he learned from his dad was, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." Richard was also a member of the Glastonbury Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and regularly brought the gospel to many. He spent many hours in fellowship studying the bible with his close friend Bob and his many church friends.
Richard was predeceased by his parents and sisters Joyce and Rita, and is survived by his former wife Susan Wilton, his three children, Scott Wilton, Carolyn Catizone and her husband Pietro, and David Wilton and his wife Julie. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Rosario and his wife Alexandra, Isabella and her husband Ryan, Susie and her husband Russell, Fauve and her husband Vincent and Trevor, and six great grandchildren Bradley, Penelope, Ashton, Estelle, Dylan and Rose.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St Francis Hospital for their kindness, loving care and support.
A private burial will be held at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com