Richard R. Del Favero

1934 - 2020

Richard R. Del Favero, 85, husband of 61 years of Barbara J. (Michalowski) Del Favero, went to be with the Lord on July 1, 2020. He was born October 4, 1934 in Meriden, CT, the son of the late Victor M. Del Favero and Julia Hyde Del Favero. He is survived by his four sisters, Dolores Leary (Jack) of Meriden, Mary Ann Maselli (Pete) of Clinton, Sheila Leighton (Dick) of Guilford, Jean Serey (Pat) of Prospect, KY and one brother, Robert (Sheila) of Clermont, FL. He was predeceased by his brother, Victor (Dee). He is the father of 5 children, Jeffrey Del Favero (Denise), Linda Morasutti (Robert Lee), Robbin Cabelus, Joyce Gomez (Tony), Laureen Seoane (Carlos). He leaves behind 12 grandchildren, his recently born great-granddaughter, many dear friends and his faithful black lab, Kobi. Richard graduated from Meriden High School in 1952 and from early childhood was an active member of 4H. He went on to graduate from UCONN in '56 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering and in '58 with a Master's degree in Agricultural Economics. He was a founding brother and former president of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at UCONN. He started his career with Rexnord Corporation and in 1964 returned to Meriden to join his father in the family building business, DelFavero Builders Inc. He constructed more than 400 condominiums in Central CT and built several commercial developments. Although he had a successful career in the construction industry, his heart always remained in agriculture. He often referred to himself as a "farmer without a farm". In 1988, he began his second career after he and Barbara purchased Hayward Farm, a 500-acre farm in Derby, VT where he raised beef cattle for over 30 years. He was a member and former trustee of the VT Beef Producers Association. Richard was a trustee of Saint Mary's Church in Meriden, CT, served on the board at St Edward's Church in Derby, Vermont and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served in the US Army Reserve, and also was a member and chair of several local commissions and boards in both CT and VT. Richard was a strong proponent of education and he often said that he attributed his success in life to his education at UCONN. He generously supported many funds and scholarships at the University of CT, including the funding of the first endowed chair in Agricultural Resource Economics. He was a lifetime member of the UCONN Alumni Association and a member of the Founder's Society of the UCONN Foundation. He was a lifetime member and recipient of the distinguished alumni award from the University of CT College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and was a 2011 recipient of the college's highest honor "The Charles and Augustus Storrs Award". Richard was a generous man who offered support as a mentor and father figure to many. He will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24th at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 59 Elm Street, Derby Line, VT 05830. Mass will be streamed via Zoom for those who are unable to be present. The Zoom invitation link for Mass can be found under Richard's obituary on jferryfh.com. Calling hours and burial will be private. The family would like to thank the many caregivers at Pond Ridge North and Masonicare Home and Hospice for the love, support and compassion shown to Richard and his family during these past months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mater Dei Parish, Attn. St. Edward the Confessor Church, 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, VT 05855.