Richard Rulnick

I. Richard Rulnick of West Springfield, MA, passed away on April 22, 2015, surrounded by his family. Born in 1924 in Hartford, CT, he moved to Springfield, MA as a young child, and worked in his father's store, Rulnick's Market, in the north end of Springfield. He attended Manhattan College in NYC, and proudly served in World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. 6th Army's Pacific Theater of Operations. Rich was the recipient of many combat awards and medals for his notable military service. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War and a member of the American Legion. He worked for Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, CT, before retiring in 1987. Dad devoted his life to his family. He raised eight children in West Springfield with his wife, Hazel (Perrault), who predeceased him in 1992. Together, they instilled strong values and humility in their children. Missing their parents are: Lorraine Bregoli of Kennebunk, ME; Joanne Sharp of Westfield; Richard Rulnick of Springfield; Steven Rulnick of Westfield; Cathy Sharon of Somers, CT; Diane Gentile of Southampton; Donna Zades of Westfield and John Rulnick of Charlton. He also leaves his loving daughters-in-law and sons-in-law. His ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren brought him a constant source of joy and great pride. Along with his late wife, Rich now joins close family friends, Andy and Tootie Chase, who also passed too soon. Dad was deeply loved, and his strength, leadership and sense of humor will be profoundly missed. All services will be private. The family welcomes donations to the VFW on his behalf. The Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.