Richard H. Thalheimer

1940 - 2018

Richard H. Thalheimer of Vero Beach, FL and Simsbury, CT died unexpectedly on June 8, 2018. He was born in Beverly, MA the son of the late Harold Emerson and B. Mary (Walton) Thalheimer on October 21, 1940. He is survived by his wife Danielle, his son Peter, wife Beth and children Sean and his wife Joanie, Kylie and Chase, his daughter Kristin, fiancé Bruce Sanders and children Jack and Daniel. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Dick was voted most likely to succeed at 16 in his senior year of high school. He proceeded to the family alma mater, Bowdoin College in Maine. A German major, he went into the insurance business after college. He was the youngest person to earn the title of Vice President at the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company. After 23 years at the Phoenix, he co-founded The New England Guild, a unique firm with a groundbreaking approach to wealth management. He served in the Air Force reserves. He served on the board of the Hartford Arts Council for many years and was active in community theatre, including Theatre in the Round, Canton Benefit Productions as an actor and director. He also acted with The Producing Guild. He was a lifelong boater, having learned on row boats and skiffs at his family's summer camp in Maine. A long time sailor, Dick often commented that power boats were not attractive, until one day, he declared that a motor boat wouldn't be so bad…as long as it was a nice one. Life is too short to own an ugly boat. Dick loved music and was a drummer and self-taught guitarist, playing folk music in his youth, and later playing classical guitar. He also enjoyed cooking and traveling. He was a consummate foodie and loved to try new recipes or perfect old standbys. Dick was well read. He was a political junkie and followed the political and financial news avidly. He was a gentleman, valued for his wise counsel, a mentor to many, witty, kind and funny. At Dick's request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, if anyone would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Wounded Warriors, the Fisher House or a veteran's organization of the donor's choice. For online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.