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Richard Mindell Obituary
Richard A. Mindell passed away from cancer July 19, with his family by his side. He was born March 26, 1948 in Boston, Mass, to Albert and Mildred Mindell. He graduated from high school in Great Neck, NY, and from Queens College, New York with a Master's degree in Political Science. Richard taught History and English in Garden City, New York, where he met his wife of 40 years, Leslie Hinchliffe. He worked as a salmon fisherman, cabinet maker, artist, home-builder and master carpenter. Richard built a home for his family in Jericho, Vermont where they lived for 30 years until his death. Richard founded two Vermont newspapers, wrote five novels and built many homes, including Vermont's first energy efficient concrete house. In his later years, Richard was a much loved substitute teacher, covered sports for the local newspaper and mentored aspiring journalism students. He loved his family, coaching his kids' sports teams, boats, Red Sox, Celtics, his pets, his students, American History, Chinese food, NY bakeries and crosswords puzzles.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie, his children, Jennifer and Luke, his brother and sister, Larry Mindell and Cynthia Pazyra, his nephew Danny and nieces Rachel and Allison, his best friends Paul and Geoff, and many cherished friends and in-laws.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Mindell
Tom Keblin
August 25, 2016
I was fortunate to meet Richard while he was a guest teacher at Browns River. I loved talking with him about family, life, and playing football :). It was great to see the pictures posted here. Certainly a life well lived and a incredible spirit. While I am sure it was too short, I hope you find comfort in your memories. Thank you for sharing him with us at BRMS.
Randy Pratt
August 14, 2016
So sorry to hear of Richard's passing. Always enjoyed chatting with him and the books of his I read. Know that our daughter enjoyed him as a landlord too! Our condolences on your loss - he and you will all be in our thoughts and prayers!
Mickey Dutcher
August 5, 2016
We are saddened to learn of Richard's passing. He was always an upbeat guy to have around. He taught me how to build cabinets better and always had useful things to say.
stacey cheney-myers
August 1, 2016
So sorry to hear about Richard. My condolences to his family and friends. We knew Richard through the beautiful carpentry work he did in our home where he was able to make our vision a reality. He was kind, gentle, smart, honest and talented. He will be missed.
Karen and Russ Floyd
July 29, 2016
Leslie and Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. We remember well the girls softball games and Richards involvement oh so many years ago. May he rest in peace after a life well lived.
July 26, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. It was always inspiring to see his friendly face and connect with him at BRMS. He always showed such a sunny outlook and made such a positive impact on the students and staff. He will be missed by all.
-Jackie Stoner
Ross Perry
July 26, 2016
I am incredibly sad to hear of Richard's passing. My friendship with Richard began five or so years ago, when I hired him to do some carpentry work at my house. Seeing his fine workmanship, I hired Richard five more times, and because he allowed homeowners to assist him with his work, I was able to work closely on each of the projects he completed. A friendship developed over that time, and our love for and discussions about the Red Sox and Celtics only made it more meaningful. I also appreciated his wisdom and opinions on everyday topics. My family and I will miss Richard tremendously, but we are glad to have his handiwork throughout our house. In fact, I'm typing this message on a beautiful custom office table he built for me recently. I would also like to express my condolences to Leslie, Luke, and Jennifer, all of whom he spoke so fondly of. Rest in peace, Richard. I'll never forget you!!!
Gail & Dennis Cappuccilli & Family
July 26, 2016
Dear Leslie, Jennifer and Luke...We are so very sorry to read about Rich's passing...We have very fond memories going back to 1st grade when Denny and Luke met (nearly 27 years ago!) and of them spending time together and all of us cheering the team on and visiting at games and such...Times spent at your home are some of our nicest memories...I do recall one holiday season in particular where you had the 'sitting' room decorated and looking so warm and homey where we sat and chatted (and drank wine) while the "kids" did whatever kids did back then...I also enjoyed reading a draft of one of Richard's books and how he was so determined that it be perfect...As it turned out it was pretty great. And all the times we'd run into each other at Hannafords and the Post Office and such and spend more time talking than it took to drive there and back. But one of my strongest memories about you Leslie, and Rich occurred at a baseball game where someone was talking about Rich's beard and hearing the comment, "...it makes him look dashing..." which was right on the money. I have only a few memories but you have a lifetime's worth - may they help you through this very difficult time and give you comfort when words and platitudes aren't enough. Take good care of yourselves and one another. Please do let us know if there is anything you need - even if it's just a shoulder or a listening ear. Our most sincere condolences.
Robin Clokey
July 26, 2016
My thoughts go out to the Mindell Family. It was very apparent that Richard had a passion for teaching and continued to do what he loved through subbing at BRMS and other schools.
Paul Libby
July 25, 2016
My condolences to the Mindell family.
I met Rich when he worked for a while at Home Depot. He was a real gentleman, always with a smile. I know he will be missed by many people.
Luke Mindell
July 25, 2016
Luke Mindell
July 25, 2016
Luke Mindell
July 25, 2016
July 25, 2016
Dear Mindell Family,
The world and the community of Jericho has lost a teacher,mentor and dear friend. Richard's positive outlook and attitude made him a pleasure to be around.
My sincere condolences.
Jill Ziemski, Jericho, VT
Laurie Forsman
July 25, 2016
Dear Mindell Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Richard's death; I am a teacher at Browns River Middle School. I always enjoyed my interactions with him when he was a guest teacher with us, and he helped my out a number of times in my own classroom. He struck me as a caring and generous man. He will be missed and remembered fondly by our community.
Sincerely, Laurie Forsman
judy Alexander
July 25, 2016
I am very sorry for your family's loss. I met Richard several years ago when he came to Temple Sinai to do some repair work and I hired him to come to my house in South Burlington to restore my basement following a nasty sewage back up. Besides doing a great job, he was great to talk to. We had many conversations about history, literature, Judaism and your family, which he clearly loved. He was such a warm, intelligent man. At the time he was thinking of starting a VT Jewish publication. Although it didn't happen, because of my position as Education Director at Temple Sinai, we talked a lot about it and the possibilities. I'm sorry he died so young; it seems as if he lived many lifetimes in his short years on this planet. My sincere condolences.
July 25, 2016
Leslie,
Richard's passing will be a great loss to all who knew him. Knowing Richard was such a gift. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Cynthia Weston
Cynthia Weston
July 25, 2016
Leslie,
Richard's life touched so many lives in so many ways. His loss to you and your family will leave such a deep void. Know that the void will also be left with his many friends. My heartfelt condolences to you and yours.
Cynthia Weston
Jeff Warren
July 25, 2016
Dear Mindell Family,
I wanted to pass along my sincere condolences in the passing of your husband, father, and friend. I am a teacher at Browns River Middle School and I wanted to let you all know what a valued part of our community Richard was. He was always warm, positive, curious, and full of energy - everything you need to teach middle schoolers!!! It was always a pleasure to greet Richard in the hallways, to hear about his latest story or book. His effervescence and his positive spirit will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Jeff Warren
Grant Corson
July 25, 2016
Leslie, so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. We have been missing him at our writer's group meetings.
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