Richard W. Hadden

Richard W. Hadden, 77, of Farmington, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, with his loving son, Brian, by his side. Richard was born in Hartford to William W. and Gemma L. (Quatrocelli) Hadden on August 1, 1947.
Richard graduated from Farmington High School in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1971, releasing from active duty and transferring to the US Army Reserves accepting a teaching position in 1973.
Richard had an extensive college education as well as an amazing career in education. He attended Central Connecticut State University where in 1969, he earned a Bachelor of science, Mathematics and in 1975 (after his Military time), a Master of Science, Physical Education. In1981, he earned a 6th year – Administration and Curriculum Development Certificate. Richard set out to be in his words, "an administrator, teacher and/or coach in a school system that emphasizes the total development of all individuals". During his educational career he did just that. Richard was a mathematics instructor at Avon High School for 19 years prior to accepting a position as Assistant Vice Principal in 1988 where he spent 10 years before accepting the position of Principal at Litchfield High School in Litchfield, CT. During these years in Avon and Litchfield, Richard was a dedicated educator as well as the Coach of varsity basketball at Avon HS and the Assistant basketball coach at the Coast Guard Academy and Wesleyan University. Additionally, Richard coached Boys assistant cross country and Girls Varsity cross country where the team earned state champions last 4 years, state open champions 2 years. Richard was named Coach of the year in 1985 and 1987.
Richard also had an avid interest in music, particularly gospel and contemporary Christian and oldies. He enjoyed physical fitness, long distance running, participating in the NYC marathon in 1978 and the Montreal marathon in 1980. He enjoyed collecting baseball memorabilia such as bats, books, pictures and cards. Most of all he enjoyed attending UConn basketball events with his son, Brian. Together they attended four Final Four events and on his own, Richard attended over 30 events. In recent years, his family had become the center of his attention, spending as much time with his two grandchildren, Charlie and Louisa Hadden.
Richard was a very active member of Valley Community Baptist Church, participating in Helping Hands Ministry for 5 years, High school small groups ministry for 4 years, Centrifuge Christian camps and men's fraternity ministry.
He will be missed by his loving family; son, Brian M. and wife Caitlin L. Hadden of
Morristown, NJ; sister, Carol Ann Hadden of Henderson, NV; nephew, Matt Nemeth of Naugatuck, CT; nieces, Andrea Spicer and Samantha Nemeth of NV, and his beloved grandchildren, Charlie and Louisa Hadden.
Richard's family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from time 5:00-7:00PM, at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, CT. 06001. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 11:00 AM, at the Valley Community Baptist Church, 590 W Avon Road, Avon, CT 06001.