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Richard Duda Obituary
He was born on Jan. 20, 1935, in Jewett City, son of the late Wojcieck and Mary Duda.
Richard married Barbara (Perkins) Duda on Aug. 3, 1968, in Stonington. She survives him.
Richard "Dick" Duda was a lifelong resident of Jewett City/Griswold. He attended St. Mary School and Griswold High School, Class of 1953. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut and received his law degree from Georgetown Law School.
He practiced law for over 50 years, starting an office in his family home in Jewett City. He had an office for several years in Mystic before moving back to his Main Street office in Jewett City, which he had for over 40 years. His wife Barbara helped him run the office for many years, starting out as a secretary in the Mystic office. He was most proud of his office when he was able to share the practice with his daughter, MaryBeth.
He served five terms in the Connecticut legislature representing the 58th District. Additionally, he served as Town Attorney for Griswold, Voluntown, and for the Borough of Jewett City, chairman of the Griswold Democratic Town Committee for over 30 years, and was a member of the Jewett City Savings Bank Board of Directors for 25 years. He was a board member of the Slater Library and a lifelong member of St. Mary's Church.
In his spare time, he enjoyed working in his yard maintaining his many flower beds and garden. He loved golfing and watching the Red Sox. In his later years, he really enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren attending their school activities as well as their sporting events.
In addition to his spouse, Richard is survived by his son, Christopher and his wife, Nancy (Mills), of Sprague, along with grandchildren, Cameron, Caitlin, and Gavin Duda.
He was predeceased by his daughter, MaryBeth Duda; brother, Stanley Duda; and sisters, Elizabeth Kobelski, Katherine Jordan, and Helen Duda.
Family will receive relative and friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, at Leffler Funeral Home, 30 North Main St., Jewett City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, at St. Mary's Church, Jewett City, meeting directly at the church. Interment will be at Pachaug Cemetery, Griswold.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Slater Library in Jewett City.
For the online memorial or to write a message of comfort, visit www.lefflerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Duda
Carol Burdick
September 23, 2015
I remember Richard way back when he married Barbara. My niece Donna (White) Connor told me that Richard had passed away. Time goes by fast. God Bless Barbara and her family just remember the good times you had together.
Always a friend
Carol Burdick
September 20, 2015
Sending sympathy to Barbara and family.
Dick was a great person. He was my classmate from Saint Mary's and Griswold High. Will be missed at school reunions.
God Bless, Angie (Gauthier) Marcucci
September 19, 2015
I am very sorry to hear of Dick's passing, Barbara. My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family. It was a pleasure to know Dick and to talk and do business with him. He was my only attorney in life and he was the best. God Bless.
Johnny Greene
Canterbury
Christine Baker
September 19, 2015
Mrs.Duda-I am so very sorry for your loss-it was a pleasure to have met your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. QC Home Care Team
Frederick Souza
September 18, 2015
Barbara,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Treasure the memories of your life together, and enjoy your family during this difficult time.
Mary Sepowitz
September 18, 2015
Barbara and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Kevin Perry
September 18, 2015
God Bless.
Barry & Deirdre Lee
September 17, 2015
To the Duda Family
We are so sorry to hear of Richards Passing. My parents John & Hilda Lee knew him to be an honest and kind man. I later met him through my wife Deirdre who is a relative. At family gatherings Richard would always greet me with that warm smile and grasp my hand with both of his hands with great sincerity. He was well versed in so many fields making it a pleasure to talk with him and learn from him.
Richards did a wonderful job passing down his wisdom and love to his family letting them know he will always be there to love them and guide them until they meet again.
Our Love and Prayers are with you always
Barry and Deirdre Lee
September 16, 2015
Barbara, so sorry to hear of your loss. Wish I was there to give you a hug. Our prayers are with you and you family.
Judd and Barbara
Joyce (Perkins) Hubbard
September 16, 2015
Dear Barbara, Chris, Nancy and Children, my brother in law Richard will be dearly missed, over the years he did so much for our family. He was always there for everyone. He was a very smart man.
Michael&Joanne Kobelski
September 16, 2015
My Sympathy to the Family of Mr Duda He will always be in our memories Mr Duda was always there for us God Bless RIP.
saundra-anne white
September 16, 2015
Nancy and The Duda family. So sorry to hear of his passing
September 15, 2015
Dear Duda Family
Please accept my sympathy for the loss of Attorney Duda. Your faith and positive presence in the community is admirable. My prayers are with you all! Love Madeline Illinger
Barbara Haynes
September 15, 2015
Dear Barbara,
I am so sorry to learn of Richard's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Keep precious memories of all your years together and let them bring you comfort in the difficult days ahead.
Sincerely,
Barbara Haynes
George Kennedy
September 15, 2015
Saddened by his passing. He was always helpful and readily available from the beginning of my law school/career and throughout. He was so also in all of my campaign efforts. In both areas he continuously taught me a lot, and especially reinforced being involved and concerned for those who are falling on hard times. His interest in me as well as others was genuine. Thank you again Richard.
Brian & Louise Willett
September 15, 2015
So sorry for your loss Barbara and family.
Annette Fontaine
September 15, 2015
TO RICHARD DUDA'S FAMILY,
My sincere sympathy and prayers to Richard's family.May Jesus and His Mother Mary walk along with Richard to his heavenly home.Richard and I were in the same class at St.Mary,s school.We graduated together from 8th Grade.
Sincerely,
Annette Fontaine,
Daughter of the Holy Spirit, Associate
The Dufficy's
September 15, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Duda Family.
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4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Griswold Funeral Home & Crematory - Jewett City30 North Main Street, Jewett City, CT 06351
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Griswold Funeral Home & Crematory - Jewett City30 North Main Street, Jewett City, CT 06351
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