Richard Harold "Dick" Banyon

Groton - Richard Harold Banyon of Fairview Nursing Home, (formerly of 1333 North Road, Groton), went home to be with the love of his life, his Joy, on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.

Richard "Dick" was born Aug. 1, 1927, in New York City, N.Y., the third child of Warren Lowe and Esther Annie (Phillips) Banyon. Dick graduated from Morris High School, Bronx, N.Y., in June 1944. While attending Morris, Dick was awarded many ribbons and medals for his performances in track and field.

After serving in the Army during World War II, Dick married Florence "Joy" Lewis, his childhood sweetheart, on April 17, 1948, at St. Augustine's Church in New York. In 1954, they moved to Connecticut and Dick began his 33 year career at Pfizer in Groton. In 1959, the couple along with their children, moved to 1333 North Road, into the house he built for his family. Building the house was always one of his most cherished accomplishments. The house remains in the family.

His love for his wife and family were the only things that he loved more than he did his New York Yankees. He would often tell stories of his childhood and these stories always had at least one or two baseball adventures. He had seen everyone from Babe Ruth to Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle to Derek Jeter. Unfortunately he never made it to the new Yankee Stadium but I doubt that would have bothered him much, the ‘greats' had walked on the old turf.

Dick and Joy loved to travel. They visited Mexico and Europe and so enjoyed going on cruises. After his retirement from Pfizer in 1987, he and his bride continued traveling. His favorite trip was the Cruise to Alaska. Rarely would you see him after that without his infamous Alaska hat. On Aug. 16, 2004, he lost his Joy. He never fully recovered.

Besides his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Warren L. Banyon Jr.; and his sister, Dorothy (Banyon) Cort.

He leaves behind to honor his memory, his daughter, Vicki Driscoll; and his great-granddaughter, Deja Joy Driscoll-Smith; his second greatest love. He also leaves behind a son; and three grandchildren.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, at The Groton Congregational Church, immediately followed by a service. Burial with presentation of military honors will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to Fairview Patients Recreation Fund, 235 Lestertown Road, Groton, CT 06340.

The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic, is assisting the family.

To share a note of remembrance/condolence with his family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com