1960 – 2020
Eastford – Richard R. Phaneuf, Jr., 60, of Eastford died Friday, September 25, 2020, in Hartford Hospital. He was the devoted husband to Mary Ann (Horonzewic) Phaneuf, and caring father to Melanie Phaneuf. Born in Putnam, he was the son of Elizabeth (Boies) Phaneuf of Woodstock and the late Richard R. Phaneuf, Sr.
During his youth, Rick did a work-study program at Linemaster Switch Corporation where he continued to work for thirty-six years as a buyer before he retired. Rick was a very friendly person and enjoyed entertaining many friends in his man cave that was fondly known as “Rickerins”. He also loved animals especially raccoons and was fond of motorcycles, particularly Indians. He loved sitting and playing butterfly bejeweled on his iPad. He also enjoyed watching the Celtics, the Patriots, Perry Mason, American Pickers, Maine Cabin Masters, as well as Beachfront Bargain Hunt on his living room television.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Horonzewic) Phaneuf; his daughter, Melanie Phaneuf; his mother, Elizabeth (Boies) Phaneuf; and his siblings, Raymond Phaneuf and his wife Carol, and Kathy Duke and her husband John. Rick is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law including, Edward and Heidi Horonzewic, Janet Veldkamp, Cathy and Ken Julian, Kelly and Corey Leveille. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Rick is also survived by his beloved puggle, Cookie.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Richard’s family on Saturday, October 10, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret St., Pomfret, CT. Burial to follow in St. Philip Cemetery, Ashford. Due to the current Covid-19 limitations, we ask that masks be worn throughout the entire service. For memorial guestbook, please visit www.GilmanandValade.com
To view Richard’s memorial video tribute please click on the following link: http://videos.lifetributes.com/1092736
Danielle Da Silva
Dear Mary Ann and Melanie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was the kindest, funniest and one of the most special people I have ever met. I am crushed for the both of you. I will miss seeing him very much every few weeks at the asthma office. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Natalie Parker
I’m so sorry!
Mark and Natalie Parker
Debbi Farquhar
We have so many wonderful memories of Rick and MaryAnn when we were next door neighbors. He loved his fur baby Sam and the silly rescue raccoon. I am so sorry for your loss and prayers that your wonderful memories will heal your heart. Debbi Farquhar
Charlene S. Armitage
So very sorry to hear this Betty, you are in my heart and in my prayers, God Bless
Love Charlene
Jamie Heath
I worked with Rick for 6 years at Linemaster Switch. He was quite the character – always pleasant, very knowledgeable in his field. I enjoyed working for him and hearing of his passing brought back many memories. May he Rest in Peace. To his family and to all his friends, cherish the memories you have of Rick and he will live forever in your heart and in your mind. He rests easy now in the comfort of the Lord.
Michelle c
So sorry for your loss. He was a great man
Tom and Donna Campbell
Maryann we are so sorry for your family loss! It has been a long time but fun times in the 80’s. Bowling!
Betty we send hugs to you as well!
JANICE ALTON
MaryAnn, I am so sorry to learn of Ricky’s passing… may all your happy memories get you and your daughter through the next few days. I always thought of Ricky as being one supa nice guy…and that he was! Janice Dodge Alton
Dennis & Claire Walker
My wife and I had the privilege to work with Rick back in the late 70’s at Linemaster Switch Corp. He was a very knowledgeable employee and a great person. So sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences to Maryann & family. May the good lord grant him peace.
Rachel Sposato
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family♥️♥️
Rich and Marjorie Roy
Maryann and Melanie So very sorry for your loss! Our sincere condolences to You Both and to All the Phaneuf Families! Spent many hours with the Phaneuf Families! All Great Memories! ❤
Donna Sullivan Rossi
Dear MaryAnn & Melanie & all. Being a long time friend, of Betty & Dick Phaneuf, I watched Rick, grow up. My family shared many wonderful visits & memories with the Phaneuf family. May peace & comfort, be with you & may Rick rest with angels.
Mike Gauthier
Sorry for your loss,my 10 years as your neighbor has some of my best memories, I will miss him.
Alayna G
Our hearts go out to both of you and the rest of your family right now. It’s hard to lose someone who was genuinely kind and fun to be with. We are here for you with whatever you need <3
Justin, Alayna and Ed
Len and Sheila Coderre
Len and I are so sorry for your loss . Sympathy to the family.
Valerie Breton
I’m so sorry for you loss.
Valerie
Susan Cross Andrews
Dear Betty,
So very sorry for your loss – May he rest in peace
Love and sympathy,
Sue Andrews
Gretchen
I am so sorry for your loss. Life is too short and he was an amazing person.
Barbara Healey
Ken and I are so sorry for your loss. He was a kind , funny, and generous man. Fun memories.
We are thinking of you all.
Barb and Ken
Darlene Johnson Morris
Betty and Family,
My heart breaks to hear about the loss of your beloved son. You are in my thoughts and prayers Betty. My deepest sympathy.
In sorrow,
Darlene and Family
Andrea Hubbard
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary Ann and Melanie.I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Andrea
Comire
Dear Betty, our deepest Sympathy in the Loss of Your Son. You are in our Prayers. God Bless… Walter and Pauline Comire
Jackie Maliga, UConn SoP
Mary Ann and Melanie, I have been holding you both tight in my thoughts once I learned of Rick’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy, now and always. I’ve enjoyed reminiscing over the stories you have shared with me about your beloved Rick. Thank you for your open connection and continued support at work. I can only hope to offer you the same during this tragic and difficult time of sorrow. My heart is with you both. With love, Jackie.
Donna L. Normandin
I am so very sorry to hear of this loss. I knew Rick as a fellow office employee and always felt he was a good and honest man. He had a wonderful sense of humor, extensive knowledge as a buyer on the job, a genuine friendliness and good natured manner and always a picture of his beloved daughter at his desk. May God comfort his wife and daughter during this difficult time until you all meet again.
Sincerely,
Donna L. Normandin
Neal Olderman
Mary Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you, Melanie and your family. Neal Olderman
Sam Resnick
I am so sad and devastated at the passing of my good friend and a great soul. I so looked forward to our monthly “camp” dinners. I will forever miss Rick’s wit and wisdom. He always asked how the family and kids were before we got down to serious discussions about sports and politics. We would laugh til we cried and eat til it hurt. God bless you and rest easy my friend until we meet again and camp resumes. My thoughts and prayers are with you Maryann, Mel, Cookie, Betty, Ray, Carol and Holly. You are a very special family and I am privileged to call you friends.
Susan Dumas
Sorry for lost Rick was a good man he will be missed work with at Line Master for 20 years thought we’re the good old days Prays for the family
Tom & Nancy Beauchamp
Betty and family, our condolences to you, thoughts and prayers are with you, Love, Nancy & Tom Beauchamp
Bernie Rocheleau
It can’t be overstated how sad and devastated we were at hearing the news of Rick’s passing.I ‘ve know Rick since he was a Cincinnati Reds fan and a Redskins fan. And of course through the years the “Many Stones Camp” dinners”,the visits to our place in Vt,sitting on the deck giggling about stupid stuff just relaxing for a change of pace. Yes, he always asked about family, how were the grandkids, etc. The last few years he would address me as Mr. and I couldn’t break him out of it.He said it was a sign of respect. That was Rick, Respectful and a true friend. You are sadly missed my friend. Bern and Jean Rocheleau
Armand & Lori (Phaneuf) Gaudette
Mary Ann and Melanie, Sorry to learn of Rick’s passing. It was great to see him and talk to him when we were at the hospital several months ago. Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Corey and Kelly
May the memories you made with Rick help heal your pain during this difficult time. He was such a funny person, and that is how we will remember him.
John Scandalito
our deepest sympathy to all of you
Rick is such a kind soul always a smile on his face
We are thinking of you all with lots of love and compassion
Love John and Jamie
Maria Julia and Sophia Scandalito
Rose Ogden
Maryann and family, so sorry to hear about Rick. My sympathy and prayers go out to you. Rick was such a good kind person whom everyone loved dearly.
Michael Koshgarian
Dear Phaneuf family,
I had the pleasure of working with Rick for 20+ years as a supplier of parts to Linemaster.
He was very simply a GREAT guy. Always happy, upbeat and never for a loss of kind words when it came to sports.
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Michael Koshgarian
Jean Vaida Patton
MaryAnn,
I’m so sorry to hear this and sending my deepest sympathy.
Paul E Simpson
Ric was one of the “Very Best”