Richard A. Lauro

Richard Lauro passed away peacefully after a short illness surrounded by family on January 6, 2024 at Danbury Hospital. He was born on March 2, 1942 to Sebastian (Larry) and Sue Lauro in Yonkers, NY and was a long time resident of Patterson NY. Richard is survived by his three children Anita Lauro (Cary NC), Bruce Lauro (New Milford CT) and Julia Lauro (Gaylordsville CT), two grandchildren Christine Short and Carl Short, great-grandson Kieran Short, brother Robert Lauro (Patterson, NY) and sister Karen Yocca (McMurray PA). Richard joins Susie, his beloved wife of 41 years, as well as his parents and sister Barbara Farinella in heaven

Richard graduated from Saunders Trades and Technical High School in 1960 and then was active duty US Navy from 1960 to 1962. He then joined AT&T where he put his childhood love of ham radio and electronics to good use. He was a technician in the line of sight microwave towers department for 15 years. These towers were located in remote areas all over the lower Hudson Valley and had to be maintained around the clock. Richard could be called out day or night for emergency repairs. Later he went into AT&T management and commuted to White Plains NY. During this time Richard worked as a engineering department project manager and also in fleet purchasing. While working in White Plains, he met fellow AT&T employee Sue (Susie) Guinn who would become his wife, love of his life and constant companion until she passed on May 12, 2023.

It might seem inconceivable to us now, but Richard was able to take an early buyout to retire from AT&T at 48 years old. This enabled him to have a second career as a school bus driver for the Brewster School district for 15 years, which gave him ample free time to pursue other interests. Since Susie was an elementary school teacher, this worked out perfectly for them. Richard was beloved by the children he drove, and also made appearances as "Zero the Hero" in Susie's classroom. Later in life he would joke that he was retired longer than he worked.

In retirement, Richard discovered a hobby that combined his love of tinkering with spending time with his son Bruce and grandson Carl - collecting, maintaining and riding antique motorcycles. He spent countless hours caring for his motorcycles, the oldest one being from 1955. It was not uncommon for him to join Bruce and Carl for a 150 mile Saturday ride along the backroads of Putnam and Dutchess counties. These bikes were not easy to operate and maintain but he loved the challenge. He also travelled the East Coast on AMCA road runs as far from home as Kentucky. He loved meeting new people and experiencing new places on these trips. Richard explored curvy backroads astride antique motorcycles at an age where some might consider giving up driving cars entirely.

Richard had the mind and spirit of a true engineer and craftsman and loved the challenge of solving a problem (long before the advent of internet how-to videos). It often seemed like he could accomplish anything he set his mind to - including putting a new engine in a car, renovating and completely modernizing a kitchen, or even turning an old school bus into a fully equipped motorhome. Family camping trips to Assateague Island became a beloved annual tradition.

Throughout their long marriage, Richard and Susie were inseparable. While they had adventures far from home, they also loved spending quiet time on their front porch where hummingbirds were frequent visitors. He took great pride in maintaining their house, yard and gardens. Richard and Susie spent two weeks in Florida every year, where Richard could indulge his life long love of the water.

Richard loved spending time with his great-grandson Kieran, who he adored. He would pick him up after school and head to a playground, fishing spot or home to work with an electrical kit. Richard always had encouraging words for Kieran, telling him "You're doing the best you can, and you are a special boy." Family was always extremely important to Richard, and even though he was a hard worker he always made time for them. He had a sweet, gentle, consistent love that never wavered.

Through sheer willpower Richard convinced himself that he was 20 years younger than he actually was and lived his life with boundless energy and enthusiasm. He was deeply involved with his family on a daily basis and was the first phone call we made in any crisis large or small. Not having the ability to speak to him at a moment's notice will be one the most difficult parts of his passing. We must take solace in the fact that he was with us through thick and thin for so many years and was loved so much by his family.

We will always love you Poppy!

A Memorial Service for Richard Lauro will be held at a future date.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).