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BORN
1949
DIED
2019
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Richard Conrad Obituary
Richard Allen Conrad, 69, of Wallingford, husband of 39 years to Helen (Jordan) Conrad, passed away January 1, 2019 at Hartford Hospital from glioblastoma.
Despite claims that he emerged fully-formed like a Greek deity, Dick, as he liked to be called, was born on December 30, 1949 to the late Robert and Marian (Butler) Conrad, and grew up in Bristol.
Dick’s green thumb was apparent to anyone that would drive by his ever-expanding gardens. Summers would be full of tomatoes, squash, and new strategies to counter the various woodland creatures that viewed his crops as their buffet. He felt similarly passionate about helping young children learn to read. For the better part of 30 years, he volunteered at schools in New Haven, Wallingford, and Meriden, transforming any free surface in his home into staging areas for the books he would give to his students. When he wasn’t gardening or volunteering, he could be found running, generally on neighborhood roads, but also in several Boston Marathons. Dick spent over four decades at the New Haven Register, covering beats throughout New Haven, the Freedom of Information Commission, and eventually becoming the IT Renaissance man for the Register’s parent company.
In addition to his wife, Helen, he is survived by his children, Erin, Kelly, and, Sean; his brothers, Robert and David (Mory); as well as numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St., Ext., Wallingford on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 11:00 am until 1:00 followed by a Celebration of Life service in the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the Conrad family requests that donations be made to the Spanish Community of Wallingford (scowinc.org). For online condolences visit www.wallingfordfh.com
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Conrad
Bob Mitchell
March 22, 2019
Just heard of Dick Conrad's passing and wanted to pass along my belated condolences. I had Dick as an instructor in my news writing journalism class at Southern Connecticut State University. Dick taught me how to dig for a story and I still vividly remembering the first day of class when he gave us a number and we had to track down a piece of property in New Haven and do a title search and find out as much as we could about the property. That is what journalism is about. Digging, digging and digging. And, when I saw Spotlight in the movie theater and the work those journalists did, I thought of Dick. I am sad today because of his passing, but am grateful that I had had him as a journalism instructor. Regards, Bob Mitchell
Kenneth Paderewski
January 18, 2019
I always liked and respected Dicky Conrad our trompet playing next door neighbor on Renee Street in Bristol, CT. What a sense of humour! Never a flaw in empathy. Lots of wiffleball ball games in the Conrad's back yard when we were kids; listening to Gerry & The Pacemakers on Bobby's transistor radio. When Dicky shouted "David!" You knew David was going to have to stand tall for something. The Conrad house was full of wonderful people - all of them astute political observers as I recall. And I recall the family often, fondly, and in the highest regard. Dicky really stands out as a very kind and gifted member of his community.
Gregory Gyuricsko
January 11, 2019
My condolences to the Conrad family on your loss. I worked with Dick only a brief time this Fall but got a glimpse of his special qualities. We had discussed the upcoming Garlic Festival on our first day working together and more than a week later when I saw him again he handed me a pamphlet about what the festival had to offer. Then he went on about his gardens and how he was planting ten more varieties of garlic and the elusive shallot. It was obvious he loved his family, people and all life had to offer. Did I mention running? Best, Greg Gyuricsko.
Tina Wickenkamp
January 6, 2019
Thinking of you at this time and hoping the happy memories and support of friends and family uplifts you.
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Jeannette Ross
January 5, 2019
My condolences to you and your family. I'm sorry to hear of your loss of your brother (and brother-in-law) Dave and Mory. May God be with all and give you comfort at this time.
Gail Rosin
January 5, 2019
So very sorry for your loss,Helen.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Joanne Conte
January 4, 2019
Dear Mrs. Conrad and the entire Conrad Family,
The students and staff at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in Meriden send our sincere sympathy to all of you. Last school year, Mr. Conrad worked with many of our children to improve their reading skills. They loved working with him because he was kind, generous, helpful, and caring to all.
In an email correspondence, Mr. Conrad reflected to me, "Your students tried hard to get better every week, even if I had them write the same words again and again. It was not all work. They liked to make fun of me and I gave it right back. We talked about holidays such as Dia de los muertos. I threw vocabulary at them as often as possible. Also, one of the third grade girls could repeat everything you said during the announcements at the beginning of the school day. It was so funny! And the kids enjoyed hearing the pledge of allegiance in Spanish."
He truly had an impact on everyone around him. My staff and I had wonderful and interesting conversations because he shared his knowledge and experiences with us. We will always remember Mr. Conrad and miss him very much!
Sandi Shelton
January 4, 2019
Dear Conrad Family,
I, too, worked with Dick at the New Haven Register. I covered North Haven and he was the Metro Editor I reported to. He was always kind and compassionate, besides being a good editor...and we would compare notes about our kids. I remember how much he loved reading with kids at West Hills. He'd come back with so many funny stories! I am so sorry to hear this news, and I send you my condolences and love. So very sad!
Ann Dallas
January 4, 2019
Dick was always a quiet centerpiece in the NHR newsroom, and it sounds as if that was true at home as well. He always knew just what to do! I'm shocked by the suddenness of his departure, and so sorry for the loss his family and friends have to face. I can only hope that the memories will carry them through this difficult time.
January 4, 2019
A very treasured co-worker, who, despite his intense work ethic, always had time to help or give advice. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Leigh Bogle
January 4, 2019
He truly was a nice man. I worked with Dick over the years and always looked forward to his visits. Not only was he nice to be around, but I always learned something from him. I am so very sorry for your loss, our loss as well.
Bill Freeburn
January 4, 2019
Dear Helen...Anne and I just found out this morning about your husband. Please accept our sincerest condolences from Anne and myself. I would have loved to compare notes with him on keeping the "creatures from the woods" from creating havoc in our yard. Both Anne and I wish we could be there to give you a great big hug......All our love...Anne and Bill (Billy) Freeburn.
Mary Ellen Eckels
January 4, 2019
Dear Dave and Mory, and the family of Richard,
We are so sorry for your loss and offer our heartfelt sympathies and prayers. What a wonderful man your brother was. Just reading the his obituary makes one feel they knew Richard - and not having met him, wish that they had. God bless.
Michele Martin
January 4, 2019
I am sorry to hear of Dicks passing. He was such a nice guy. He worked with us at the Kingston Daily Freeman for many years and always had a new story. Dick was so much fun to learn from. He will be missed. Sending hugs to every one of you. Thank you for sharing him with us. God bless you. Michele
Beth Wigley
January 4, 2019
To me, Dick was warm and sweet with a wonderful sprinkle of devilment. Now, he was not my brother, father, or husband so there might be other versions that I never met. He was the best of us. I will miss him terribly and am so sorry for the loss to our family.
Chris Stanley
January 4, 2019
I worked with Dick on the DFM / Saxotech configuration / installation team. This was a complicated process but Dick always had a handle on the technical details at every site and was always willing and able to quickly provide solutions that actually worked -- sometimes just hours before deadline. More than that, he was fun to work with, had a great sense of humor, and wasn't afraid to call 'em like he saw 'em. I admired his volunteer work with literacy and enjoyed the way he lit up when talking about his students. A lot of people are better off for having known and worked with him over the years, and I am certainly one of them.
Nancy Linton
January 4, 2019
Dear Helen, Sean, and girls, sending love and recalling fond memories of the interest and kindnesses Mr. Conrad had for all children at Parker Farms. My sincerest sympathy.
January 4, 2019
Dear Helen and family, I was so saddened to read this , I will remember Dick at Parker Farms always lending a helping hand . You'll be in my thoughts and prayers,sending my condolences . Sue O'Hara
rich veilleux
January 3, 2019
Dick and I spent many years together. we attended -- or tried to attend -- at least a dozen opening games at fenway, and joined howard tozzo and fred vollono for years of Monday Night Football games. I'm so sorry, Helen. Kris and I have missed you guys for years. We'll remember you and Dick forever.
Rosie Brown
January 3, 2019
Kelly, Much love and hugs to you and your family!
Jack Kramer
January 3, 2019
To Dicks family: I am former editor of Register and Dick and I go back to the 70s, working together as youngsters on Orange Street in downtown New Haven. So shocked/sorry to hear this terrible news. My thoughts are with you all.
Linda Alubicki-Freymuth
January 3, 2019
David and Mory, Orv and I just wanted to offer you both and your families our deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother. You will, as will Dick remain in our thoughts and prayers.. God Bless. Orv and Lynn
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
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Memorial Events
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Jan
5
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
Jan
5
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
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Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492