Richard A. Booth

1927 - 2015

Richard A. Booth 1927 - 2015 Brooklyn - Richard A. Booth, 88, passed away on October 16th at his home in Brooklyn, CT after a brief illness. Dick, as he was known to his friends, was born in West Haven, CT on June 3rd, 1927, the only child of Seaver H. Booth and Gertrude Booth (nee Smith) of Ansonia, CT. As a child Dick developed a love for birds and animals, as well as the ocean and its creatures, and very early on formed a passion for the natural world that was to stay with him for the whole of his life. At age 17 Dick joined the US Navy, serving on the destroyer escort USS Otter. After the war he attended Cornell University where he gained his undergraduate degree in zoology with an emphasis on ichthyology. It was at Cornell that he met his wife of 59 years, Nancy Harrington. They were married in 1956 and moved shortly thereafter to Lewes, Delaware where Dick worked on the fishing boats of the University of Delaware collecting fish specimens for his research. Following this project the Booths moved to New Haven, CT where Dick completed his Masters degree at Yale University. In 1959 the Booths settled in Brooklyn, CT. Dick completed his Ph.D at the University of Connecticut and spent the next 26 years teaching zoology at Central Connecticut State University. After retiring in 1992 Dick continued to pursue his interest in conservation and ecology in the area. He was an early member of the Wyndham Land Trust and believed profoundly in their aim, which is to protect the security of wildlife habitats ensuring enjoyment for all. Dick served as president of the organization from 2000 to 2011. Dick was a devout member of the Episcopal Church and was a member at Putnam Lodge #46. He also actively championed the protection and preservation of the nationally registered Old Trinity Church in Brooklyn, CT. Dick is survived by his wife and two daughters; Margaret A. Booth, Isle of Bute, Scotland and Janet E. Booth of Dresden, Maine. He has a granddaughter, Elizabeth Booth Homewood also from the Isle of Bute. It was Dick's wish that he have a traditional graveside service, which will be held at Old Trinity churchyard, Brooklyn, CT on Sunday, Nov 22nd 12:00 noon. Donations in Dick's name may be made to the Wyndham Land Trust, P.O. Box 302, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. Tillinghast Funeral Home, 433 Main Street, Danielson is in charge of arrangements.