Richard "Tupper" Ware

11/14/1943 - 7/4/2025

North Stonington - Richard "Tupper" Ware, 81, of North Stonington, passed away peacefully July 4, 2025, a true patriot, at the Westerly Hospital after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 14, 1943, in New London, the son of Harold "Hap" and Hazel (Rogers) Ware, who both predeceased him.

He grew up in Groton and graduated from Fitch High School in 1961. Upon his completion of service in the U.S. Army, he earned his undergraduate degrees from Mitchell College in 1969, and the University of Connecticut in 1971. He earned his master's degree in organic chemistry from the University of Connecticut in 1974.

Tupper spent over 30 years as a research scientist beginning his career at Pfizer in 1973, and retiring in 2004. He oversaw the mass spectrometry department. At Pfizer, he was affectionately known as "Tupper."

After retiring, because of his love of numbers, he prepared tax returns for AARP, traveling to local senior centers and occasionally to people's homes who could not travel. He was also a member of the Montville Polish Club.

In 1966, Tupper met his wife, Marilyn (Selvidio). After six years of an on again, off again relationship, Marilyn finally said YES! They were married in 1972, at the Immaculate Conception Church and had shared over 53 years of marriage.

Marilyn and Tupper traveled extensively around the world with favorites being South America and New Zealand, and especially enjoyed their winter cruises in the Caribbean. He had an intense interest in all sports, especially UConn basketball, NCAA tournaments and Boston Red Sox baseball. He also enjoyed the theater.

He was a kind soul accepting anyone he met and always the life of the party. He enjoyed his yearly golf trips to Myrtle Beach and Vermont, and always looked forward to his biweekly "Cartel meetings" with his retired Pfizer friends at C C O'Brien's. He loved working in his yard during the summer months and looked forward to cruising in the winter months. He especially looked forward to spending his Sundays with his beloved grandson and daughter.

Special thanks to Zheny and Brendan and the entire nursing/CNA staff at the Westerly Hospital, along with Beacon Hospice for their loving care and compassion of Tupper. Your kindness to our family is greatly appreciated.

He leaves his wife Marilyn; daughter Melissa (Marc) Chubbuck; grandson Marco Chubbuck; brother Robert (Carolyn) Ware; brothers-in-law, Michael (Lucille) Selvidio and Robert Selvidio; and several nieces and nephews. He is also predeceased by a brother-in-law, Joseph R. Selvidio.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tupper's name to The Autism Science Foundation, 3 Continental Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main Street, Westerly, R.I. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home before the service. For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.