Richard P. Wurst

Richard P. Wurst
Richard P. Wurst, 87, of South Windsor, beloved husband of 65 years to the late Elizabeth A. "Betty Ann" Wurst, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 6, 2025. He was born on February 27, 1938, in Philadelphia, PA, one of two children to Paul and Sarah (Yocum) Wurst.
He grew up in Andalusia, PA, and went to Bensalem High School where he met Betty Ann. He earned his B.Sc., Bacteriology from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science and his M.S., Microbiology from Thomas Jefferson Medical College. He attended the University of Connecticut Ph.D. in the Biology program but chose to start a family instead of completing his degree.
He was an Associate Professor of Biology at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT, for 30 years beginning in 1967. His specialties were in Microbiology and Immunology, and served as the Coordinator of the major in Medical Technology, and as President of the Faculty Senate. He was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 1997.
He had a passion for singing and sang Baritone in the Silk City Chorus, (Society for the Promotion of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America) in Manchester Connecticut, and served as the chorus' Secretary. He also sang in a barbershop quartet and performed at minor league baseball games and at the Connecticut Governor's Mansion.
Building on the guidance that he received from his grandfather, who was a professional wood-turner, he became a self-taught handyman who planned and undertook countless projects around his house and property in Vernon, CT.
He joined Fayette Lodge No. 69 AF&AM in Rockville, CT in 1971. He became Worshipful Master in 1979 and served as the Chaplin in 1980. He was also a 32° Scottish Rite Mason of the Hartford Valley chapter. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Vernon, where he served as a Deacon, and as a member of the committee that designed and built the Memorial Garden where his remains will be interred, next to Betty Ann.
Richard is survived by his three children, Karl R. Wurst and his wife Amy West of Worcester, MA, Donald P. Wurst and his wife Shelley of Mansfield Center, CT, and Alan D. Wurst and his wife Gaylan of Bolton, CT; his five grandchildren, Nicholas and his wife Claire, Alexander, Jacob, Gabriel, and Clara; as well as his brother, David Wurst and his wife Harlene.
A memorial service will be at the First Congregational Church of Vernon, 695 Hartford Turnpike (Rt. 30), Vernon, CT 06066 on November 8th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Church Memorial Garden. A gathering with a time of sharing will be in the church hall, immediately following the interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Central CT State University Biology Department, New Britain, CT; Fayette Lodge AF&AM #69, Rockville, CT; Silk City Chorus, Manchester, CT; First Congregational Church of Vernon, Vernon, CT. To leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.