Richard DeStefano

On March 9, Richard DeStefano, age 80, of Seneca, South Carolina entered eternal rest. Richard was born on September 26th, 1942 in New Haven, CT to Victoria Sicignano DeStefano and Anthony DeStefano. He had two brothers, Anthony (older) and Ron (younger). Richard, or Richie, as his family called him, lived on St. John's Street in New Haven, CT and went to St. Michael's School. He was a product of what many would call "The Good Old Days". Most of his relatives lived right around the corner. On a typical Saturday, Richie and his cousins/siblings would walk to the movie theater or the Candy Corner. Richie loved listening to "Rock and Roll", and he called himself "The Coca-Cola" kid. He and his cousins/siblings would come home every day from school to have a delicious homemade lunch made by his mother, Vicky. Laughter, love, and fun surrounded the table. Every Sunday, they would go to Aunt Mary's house for precious family time. At age 17, Richie's father passed away, and this caused him to value family even more. This would be a theme throughout his life. After high school, Richard majored in accounting at Quinnipiac College. Realizing accounting was not for him, he pursued a career in Elementary Education. Richard taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades at Center School in Stratford, CT for 34 years. He was a beloved teacher and friend. He always had time to talk to people, encourage them, or make them laugh. On February 13th, 1971, he married Paula Massey DeStefano, the love of his life. Together, they raised three daughters, Jennifer DeStefano, Gina DeStefano Beecher (married to James Beecher), and Nicole DeStefano. Richard loved his family, whom he lovingly referred to, as his "four girls". Richard also loved being a father-in-law to his "son", James Beecher. Richard loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and he passionately prayed for others and shared Scripture with them. Everyone who knew Richard would call him a friend. Richard was a die-hard Red Sox fan, pizza connoisseur, talented painter, movie expert, music lover, trumpet player, avid Giant's fan, great cook, coffee lover, beach lover, and history buff. Richard loved being a grandpa to his five grandchildren: Isaiah, Isabella, Hailey, Cameron, and Raina. He was often found volunteering to read at their schools, playing with them, taking them on outings, and singing "Goodnight Sweetheart" to them before bedtime. Richard's life was a life well lived. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Paula Massey DeStefano, his daughters, his son-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many beloved relatives. His legacy of love, kindness, and laughter lives on in his family, friends, and students.