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Dr. Richard Sause Obituary
Sause practiced optometry in Meriden and Southington from 1957 until his retirement to Seminole, Florida in 2009.
A Rotarian until shortly before his retirement, Sause had served as president of the Southington Rotary.
Sause was known as ""The Singing Optometrist"" for his lifelong involvement with Barbershop Quartet Singing. The Four Statesmen, a quartet Sause formed in 1963 with members from four different New England States, were crowned International champions in 1967. Following their success, the quartet toured Asia for the USO, toured England as ambassadors for the Barbershop Society and appeared on American, Canadian and British television. Sause also won the first International Seniors competition in 1982 with the George E Baggish Memorial Quartet.
A racquetball player since the sport's introduction to the Meriden YMCA in the 1950s, Sause won the silver medal in the 2005 Senior Olympics.
Sause is survived by Donna, his wife of 40 years; sons, Craig, of Milan, Italy and David, of Destin, Fla.; stepchildren, Story and Heather Leavesley, of Colorado; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughter, Susan Cyr; and stepson, Christopher Leavesley.
No services are planned at this time. An on-line memorial will be set up soon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dr. Richard Sause
frank cannatelli
September 8, 2019
Rich is definitely missed. A great doctor, a great man, and a great racquetball player. We all miss him very much.
September 18, 2016
Dear Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Rich. We had such wonderful times at the Y. He and Doc Morgan were very special guys. When I think of those special days I can only smile .Such great memories. Both you and Rich were so kind to Marty and me. You are in my thoughts and prayers Donna. Much Love Al
September 17, 2016
Please accept a hug of peace to ALL the family of cousin Richard. To Donna, her children, and our cousins Craig, David, Jim, Patsy, Corrine, Jackie, Liz, Aunt Elaine and all their families. I trust that his Sister Adele, My Mom Joyce, and all the heavenly choir welcomed him with open arms into eternal life. So many good memories will hold us until we get there! Blessing of Love, Mary & Harry Killingworth, Ct.
Ginny Hale Whittle
September 17, 2016
Donna and family,
I've many fond memories of my cousin Richard. Some sitting in the eye chair, most of his beautiful voice singing with my beloved MaMére on Christmas Eve.
All my love, thoughts, and prayers,
Ginny
Elizabeth Eichelberger
September 16, 2016
With a heavy heart we say goodbye to our beloved Uncle Richard. I will keep the memories of his smile and laughter in my heart.
Your beautiful legacy remains.
Love and prayers to Aunt Donna, Craig, David, Story, Heather and the grandchildren.
Joan Beatty
September 16, 2016
So sorry to hear of Doc's passing. Always looked forward to seeing you both at the barbershop convention every year.
My thoughts and prayers go with you.
Angela Levine (Perrone)
September 15, 2016
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Doc Sause will be dearly missed by all those to whom he brought the harmony of barbershop music. Most sincerely, Angela Levine (Perrone) and Angela Perrone
September 15, 2016
Donna & Family So sorry to hear about Doc he was a special person and will be missed by everyone.
Carole Kromer
Jackie Taylor
September 14, 2016
Rest in peace Uncle Richard!
Tell mom and Nana we miss them.
Thinking of you Craig, David and Donna
frank cannatelli
September 14, 2016
Donna and family. I am so sorry to hear about Rich's death. We use to play racquetball at the Y. He was my eye doctor also. A real nice man. My condolences. frank p. cannatelli
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