Richard J. Clarkin

Richard J. Clarkin, 79, of Newington, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 18, 2020. Born in Hartford, son of the late James D. and Berenice (Bokus) Clarkin, and his second mother, his late aunt Rosalie "Rosie" Bokus. Richard was a longtime Newington resident and a parishioner of the Church of the Holy Spirit. Richard graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelor of the Arts degree. He was employed with Heublein for 20 years and then went on to work at Hartford Hospital as the Director of Operations, Information Services until his retirement. He was an avid golfer and the former president of the Golf League at Heublein. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Richard was a UConn Basketball and Red Sox fan and friends and family loved his Irish wit. A loving father and grandfather, he leaves his two daughters, Francine Clarkin of Newington and Melissa R. Sarni and her husband Mark of Glastonbury and three grandchildren, Julia, Ryan and Kyle. He also leaves his sister Patricia C. Bialy of Newington, many nieces and nephews and his adored cat Callie whom he called his "Girl". He was predeceased by his brother James F. Clarkin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 22nd, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 183 Church St. Newington. He will be laid to rest following the Mass in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard's memory to a charity of the donor's choice. Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington is serving his family. To share a memory, please visit us at www.duksa.net.