Richard E. Eppler

Richard E. Eppler, 90, of Vernon, Connecticut beloved husband of 62 years to the late Mary Eppler, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in the comfort of his home, having been cared for by his cherished family. Richard was born on June 24, 1934, in Ilion, New York, one of two beloved children of the late Eugene and Gertrude Eppler.
He was raised in Stonington, CT where he attended Stonington High School, lettered in basketball and graduated in the Class of 1952. Richard continued his education earning a degree from Mitchell College. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his country during the Korean War.
While raising his family, Richard began his career as a sales representative working for the former Allen Manufacturing Co. He left Allen Manufacturing to work with his father at the James L. Howard & Co, ultimately becoming an owner and president, working 31 years until his retirement in 2005. Richard enhanced the company by moving it from Hartford, CT, building a new modernized facility in Bloomfield, CT. The employees of James L Howard respected and enjoyed his leadership.
Richard was involved in many organizations. He was a member of the Masonic Order as well as the Omar Shrine in Newington, CT. As active boaters, Richard and his wife, Mary, were members of Manchester Power Squadron where Richard served as Commander from 1991 - 1992. They were also members of the Nayaug Yacht Club. Over the years they gathered many cherished friendships through boating.
Richard's greatest joy was family and close friends. He equally enjoyed small moments at home, trips to visit family in Germany and traveling with his beloved Mary. As Opa, he enjoyed showing his grandchildren the world through his eyes.
Honoring Richard's memory are his three children, Deborah Eppler of Pembroke, NH, Kathryn Witkun and her husband, Stephen of Vernon and Stephen Eppler and his fiancée, Michelle Aafedt of Vernon: along with his sister Elizabeth Carlson and brother-in-law, David Palmer. He also leaves his cherished grandchildren Jonathan Witkun and his wife, Dominique, Elizabeth Witkun, Tyler Eppler, Cassandra Eppler and Stephanie Eppler and great granddaughter Charlotte Witkun. He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
All are welcome to join the family at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road, Vernon, CT 06066 for calling hours on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, with a service to begin at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. At the request of his family, a private burial with Military Honors will be in Valley Falls Cemetery in Vernon. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to The Shriner's Children's Hospital. To leave a condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com