WOODSTOCK – Richard W. Fuller, 66, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning July 7, 2016, at Westview Healthcare in Dayville. He leaves his wife and soulmate, Mary Lou (Clark) Fuller; a son, Shawn G. Fuller, and his wife, Jennifer, of Thompson; a daughter, Kyle, and her husband, Jason LePino also of Thompson; a step-daughter, Jessi, whom he raised as his own, and her fiancé, Daniel Dombrowski, of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren Jayden, Simon, Caleb & Sophia; and a Zuchon he named Bailey. He also leaves four siblings: Diane Snow (& Howard) of Payson, AZ, Stephen Fuller of Westfield, MA, Jane Amaral of Manchester; a half-sister Cheryl Valcourt (& Jacques) of Howland, ME; step-siblings, Skip, Edward, Debbie, Sandy, and Fred; and four cousins comporting as siblings: Glory, Wesley, Gail & Doreen; two brothers-in-law, William Clark of Endicott, NY & Robert (& Janet) Clark of Westford; a mother-in-law, Martha Clark of Eastford; Aunts Laura, Esther and Arlet, the latter who affectionately nicknamed him “Herkimer;” and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his half-brother, Allan “Bill” Fuller; and four step brothers, Bobby, Larry, Dutch, and Jerry White.
The son of the late Allan and Marjorie (Macomber) Fuller, he was born March 31, 1950, in Bangor, Maine. He moved to CT in 1952 and graduated from Manchester High School in 1969. He later enrolled at A. I. Prince Tech in Hartford for advanced education in Masonry. During his apprenticeship, he won the Bricklayers Apprentice Contest Award from Local 1 of Hartford; and the Anthony D. Gregorio 1st Prize awarded by the Masons Contractors Association, before becoming a journeyman.
Richard began working in tobacco fields at 14. As a young entrepreneur, he opened a cleaning business in the Hartford area. He established R & F Mason Contractors in 1974, later incorporating with long-time friend, Walter Talaga in a partnership specializing in both masonry & carpentry. He was registered as a Major Contractor in Connecticut and was a lifelong member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craft-workers Local No. 1. After 45 years of self-employment, and until his retirement, he held a carpentry position with Associated Construction Company of Hartford. Richard was a New England Patriots and New York Yankees fan, was Captain of a Putnam Senior’s baseball league, and also played basketball in a Putnam Senior league. He enjoyed skiing, deep sea fishing, golfing with friends, Bebop dancing, trips to Maine for Italian sandwiches, barbequing and trashcan turkey roasting, and he could party with the best. To hear him sing was a real treat. He was an EMT, served on the Bungee Fire Department, was active with the Boy Scouts, a volunteer Senior-ranked National Ski Patroller & Winter Emergency Care Instructor for many years with Haystack Mountain and Mount Snow in VT; a past member of BPOE Elks and Fin, Fur, & Feather Club and, for 40 years, spent mid-Novembers hunting deer in Maine’s Allagash with friends & family. He enjoyed working with his hands, being outdoors, and graciously gave 100% of his heart and mind to whatever he was passionate about. He cared for the people who mattered most to him, whether it was creating a product for a client with safety first in mind, patronizing local businesses, protecting a friend from undo harm, or providing for his family. With integrity and commitment he will be remembered as tenacious, hardworking, and fearless, with an eye for design & detail. His industrial and commercial work may be seen and admired in nearly every city/town in the state. Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his dearly loved children and grandkids. Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Richard’s family on Thursday July 21, 2016 from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. at the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT followed by a service in the funeral home at 2:00 P.M. Burial to follow at the Eastford Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH, P.O. Box 63, Putnam, CT 06260. To leave condolences please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
Kim Donovan
Mary Lou, there are no words to express my deepest sympathy for you. May God help you, Richard’s friends and family be comforted with the wonderful memories that all of you have made with him. I could always see the love that you had for each other and know that love will live in your heart forever and help you heal eventually. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Regina Chatel
Dear Marylou, I’m so sorry to hear of Richard’s death. He was a wonderful man and will always be remembered fondly. I hope the love and memories you shared together will sustain you during these difficult times.
Regina and David
Missy Franklin Duncan
Mary Lou, Jessi and family,
My deepest sympathies to you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diane & Howard Snow
Our baby brother will be missed by all. Richard you may be gone but you will never be forgotten. Our love always, Diane and Howard
Judy Cournoyer
My deepest condolences to Richard’s family, especially to you, Mary Lou, my dear friend. Richard’s journey on earth was far too short, but his legacy in his work and his love in his family continue to shine. Praying for peace for the Fuller family and for those people who were touched by Richard.
marvin st.onge
So Sorry to hear of the passing of Richard. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Sindy Hassig
So sorry for Rich’s passing. He was a good guy
diana vanasse
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mary Lou and family.
I feel blessed to have known Richard. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Diana Vanasse
.Beth Platt
So sorry for your loss Mary Lou
Gail DaRos
Richard was more of a brother than a cousin to me. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Mary Lou as well as to Kyle, Shawn and the rest of the family. Wish I could be there to give you all a hug. God bless and keep you all.
Gail and Gary DaRos
Jessica Anthony
So sad to hear this. My heart goes out to you and your family. May he be at peace and walk freely and joyfully with God. Sending so much love.
auderey
Marylou & Family,
My heart is with you. Love you dearly from miles away.
Audrey (Gratton) Giorgi
Lisa Meehan
Shawn, Jen, Jayden and Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your father, father-in-law and grandfather, Richard. May loving memories of time spent with Richard help bring comfort to you and your family at this difficult time.
Lisa and Michael Meehan
Charlie Puffer
Mary Lou, Shawn and Kyle, and all of Rich’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of his family. I have such great memories of Rich both personally and professionally. He was certainly a valued friend to me and the community.
Jan Caudle
So sorry for your loss. He was a kind and gentle man.
Jim and Ellen Black Hodos
Mary Lou, I haven’t been back to Eastford very much, but I am so sorry to hear of your beloved husband’s death. Jim and I send sincerest sympathy to you and your family.
Iva Alexander Arpin
Dear Cousin,
From my family to your’s our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with and your family.
Psalm 91-4
He will cover you with His feathers. And under His wing you will find refuge.
Nancy
Shawn, Jen, Jayden and family
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Effie Vinal
So sorry Mary Lou, I’ve been praying for you and will continue to do so. “Let your heart not be troubled neither let it be afraid.” Prov 3:5&6
The Associated Construction Co., Hartford, CT
Our deepest condolences for a really terrific guy from all of us on The Associated Construction Co. team. Rich has been and will be greatly missed. Prayers for peace, strength and lots of fond memories for your entire family.
Sandy Hendrickson
Mary Lou and family,
Deepest condolences.
He’s never Truly gone as long as he lives in your hearts and memories.
Robin Merrick
Kyle,
I am sending my love.
Kayla
My sincere condolences to you Mary Lou and the whole family. Rich was such a pleasant man. It was a pleasure to know him.
Gary A Hopkins
Kyle and Shaun, your father was one of the few decent men I ever had the pleasure of knowing, he was firm yet fair, and we had fun skiing. I am sorry for your loss, he will be truly missed.