Eric Anthony Richetelli

Eric Anthony Richetelli, 36, of Hamden, CT died suddenly at his home on Friday, January 23, 2026. Eric was born in New Haven, CT on November 7, 1989, a son of Marcie (Lublin) Epstein and the late Donald Anthony Richetelli and was a life long Hamden resident.

If you ever met Eric, you knew instantly what made him unforgettable. He was wonderfully goofy, clever, full of energy, and always, always, the best dressed person in the room. Everyone adored him. Eric was a lover of music, a lover of animals, and a loyal and cherished friend to many. He was a 2008 graduate of Notre Dame of West Haven High School.

Over the years, Eric worked in landscaping, construction, food service, and as a funeral home attendant at Washington Memorial Funeral Home. He also worked on a farm in Lacona, NY for a couple of years. While in Lacona, he was a member of a performance group called FPL. With FPL, Eric was known for his performance as Bob the Elf whom he helped create. He shaped Bob's personality, his humor, his heart. Bob became a FPL fan favorite the moment he stepped into the North Pole, because Eric poured so much of himself into that elf suit. Because of that, and in his honor, FPL has permanently retired Bob the Elf.

In addition to his mom, Eric is survived by his step-father David Epstein of Hamden, his sister, Erica Marie Richetelli of Branford, his beloved niece Evanna "Eva" Marie Piris of North Haven, his maternal grandmother Diane (Weiss) Lublin of West Haven, step-sisters, Rebecca and Jennifer, uncles Adam (Robin) Lublin of West Haven and Paul Epstein of Hamden, cousins Joshua, Ryan and Zachary Lublin, his four legged furry best friend Daisy, and many, many loving friends. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, George Lublin and his paternal grandparents Anthony and Marie (Massaro) Richetelli.

Eric's family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, January 27th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. His funeral cortege will depart the funeral home on Wednesday, January 28th at 10:30 a.m. and proceed to All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Ave., North Haven for a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com