Dr. Richard Raymond Teller

1933 - 2021

Dr. Richard Raymond Teller, of West Palm Beach, Florida and Niantic, Connecticut passed away on March 26, 2021 at the age of 88. Richard was born on February 23, 1933 in Waterbury, Connecticut to Rose Teller (Schoeck) and Charles Teller. He graduated with his bachelor's degree from Western Connecticut State College in 1955, and later pursued both a masters as well as doctoral degree from the University of Connecticut (1963), and Fordham University (1974) respectively. As a lifelong teacher, Richard held a variety of roles in education, but spent the final twenty years of his career as the Superintendent of Schools in East Windsor, Connecticut, until his retirement in 1993. In addition to education, Richard was also a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in the Chemical Corps. in Baumholder, Germany. Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who had many interests, but a specific passion for sports. An athlete himself, his natural leadership abilities and fierce competitive drive made him an integral part of numerous teams throughout his life, but of note were his contributions on the court or field for the basketball and baseball teams for Crosby High School and Western Connecticut State University. In later years, he became a member of the Black Point Summer Bocci League and West Palm Beach Shuffleboard League, even serving several seasons as the program Chairman. Richard's passion for sports extended beyond his role an athlete as he was also an avid fan, particularly, for his beloved Red Sox and UCONN Huskies. When not watching sports, some other interests included woodworking, reading, playing solitaire, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his fur buddies, especially Cooper the Cavapoo. Richard took a keen interest in the lives of those around him but particularly his children and grandchildren. He could often be found cheering them on at their sporting events and was always beaming with pride as he witnessed one of their many milestones or accomplishments over the years, from weddings, to promotions, to graduations, and more. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all that knew him or whose lives he had an opportunity to touch. Richard is survived by his wife of sixty years, Barbara Teller (Synnott), his children, Patti Nelson and her husband Jeff of Broad Brook, Connecticut, Brian Teller of Larchmont, New York, Barbara Koenig and her husband Jeff of Brookhaven, Georgia and Niantic, Connecticut, and Rick Teller and his wife Fanny of Miami, Florida. In addition, his seven grandchildren, Meagan Burke (Nelson) and her husband Ryan of Charlestown, Massachusetts, Lindsey Nelson and Rob Pysz of Broad Brook and Seymour, Connecticut, Sarah Koenig and her fiancé Ethan Levy of Jersey City, New Jersey, Allie Koenig of Brookline, MA, Matt Koenig of Buckhead, Georgia, Lauren Teller and Christian Parlade and Brent Teller of Miami, Florida. Richard was predeceased by his parents Rose and Charles Teller of Watertown, Connecticut and brother Kenneth Teller of Miami, Florida. All are welcome to attend a graveside service with Military Honors on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Catherine's Cemetery, 64 Rye Street, Broad Brook, Connecticut 06016. A memorial service will be scheduled later this summer in Niantic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's memory to the Dr. Richard R. Teller Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Tobacco Valley Teacher's Federal Credit Union, 182 South Road, Enfield, Connecticut 06082. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to The Nurses of the Lower Valley and Companions & Homemakers who provided tremendous care to him over the past few months. Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd, South Windsor, CT has care of the arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com