Richard D. Stapleton

1936 - 2020

Richard Daly Stapleton ("Dick") of Branford, CT and formerly of Cheshire, CT, passed away December 30, 2019 at Yale New Haven Hospital at the age of 83. Dick was born in Waterbury, CT on April 12, 1936 to Luke and Kathleen Stapleton. He is predeceased by his father, Superior Court Judge Luke H. Stapleton, his mother, Kathleen F. Stapleton and his niece, Lindsay Stapleton Morehouse. He is survived by his siblings, Luke H. Stapleton of Hilton Head, SC, Robert J. Stapleton of North Palm Beach, FL and Kathleen S. Maycen of North Palm Beach, FL and by his children, Deborah Newlen of Bainbridge Island, WA, Dianna L. Stapleton of Cheshire, CT and Christopher R. Stapleton of Pinecrest, FL. and by his four grandsons, Caspar, William, Emmett and Adrian, to whom he was a loving grandfather. Dick received his high school diploma from Cheshire Academy in 1954, his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Lehigh University in 1958, his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1961 and his Master of Law and Taxation from the Boston University School of Law in 1962. He was licensed as an attorney-at-law in the State of Connecticut in 1961 and as a Certified Public Accountant in 1966. Prior to his retirement in 2002, Dick served as the Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance, Secretary and General Counsel to the Lane Construction Corporation of Cheshire, CT. His tenure with Lane began in 1966, including many years spent serving as a director on the company's board. His extensive professional life also included roles as the President and CEO of the Ball & Socket Manufacturing Company in Cheshire, CT; President, Chairman of the Board and Director of MidState Medical Center (formerly Meriden-Wallingford Hospital); and directorships at Dime Savings Bank, Dime Financial Corporation and City Savings Bank of Meriden, CT. He was a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Financial Executives Institute, the Construction Financial Management Association, The Moles and The Beavers. Dick was also a dedicated public and civil servant, which included time spent as Vice Chairman of the Cheshire Board of Education from 1972-1976 and Trustee of St. Bridget Roman Catholic Church in Cheshire from 1973-1996. However, his most passionate service endeavor was unquestionably his membership of the Cheshire Fire Department, which began when he was a teenager in 1953 and continued through his recognition as a Lifetime Member. In addition to many decades spent helping those whose lives and/or property were in danger, Dick also was at various points active in the Department's administration as Chairman, Treasurer and Auditor. In his leisure, Dick enjoyed a very active social life, boating on Long Island Sound during summers and traveling to places near and far, ideally on a cruise ship. He was a lover of Al Jolson, Dixieland jazz and many stage musicals. His favorite place to spend his time was the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford, where he was recently made an Honorary Member following active membership from 1951-1970 and then again from 1988-2019. Dick will be remembered for his warm personality, generous spirit, his many and varied professional achievements and contributions, and his untiring dedication to his family, his many friends and the communities in which he resided. A service will be held at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Branford on Saturday January 18 at 11am. In lieu of sending flowers, the family kindly asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in Dick's honor. More information can be obtained from W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home at 203.488.3414 or www.wsclancy.com.