Richard J. Kirkland

Richard J. Kirkland, 78, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Wilton Meadows in Wilton, CT after a heroic battle with Vascular Dementia. Born on July 2, 1933 in Norwalk, CT he was the son of the late Theodore and Theresa (Dziemianczuk) Kirkland and a lifelong Norwalk resident.

Richard graduated from Norwalk High School in 1951 where he lettered in Soccer, Basketball and Baseball. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he spent 8 years and served his Country during The Korean War ranked Yoeman First Class. While home on leave one weekend he met the love of his life Mildred Kozar. They had been happily married for 55 years. Together they went on to open Little Richard's Coffee Shop on First Street in East Norwalk.

Richard later went on to work for Farm Shop Restaurants where he worked his way up the ladder from Manager to Vice President of Operations. After his retirement, he worked for Castle Wine and Spirits in Westport.

But Richard's finest accomplishment and one he was most proud of was his family. Richard is survived by five daughters: Karen Fallo of Redding, Gail Renzulli of Westport, Kathy Kirkland of Norwalk, Doreen Kirkland-Green of Norwalk, Lisa Faroni of Norwalk. Four son-in-laws: Chuck Fallo, Ricky Renzulli, Peter Green, Dean Faroni. Nine Grandchildren: Kimberly (Fallo) Viesto and her husband David Viesto, Kristen Fallo, Russell Fallo, Matthew Renzulli, Jennifer Renzulli, Michael Renzulli, Teddy Faroni, Marissa Faroni, and Emily Faroni.

Richard was an avid sports fan and never missed a New York Giants game or a New York Mets game on TV. Most of his Saturday nights were spent playing cards with Bob and Carol Prescott or the occasional trip to the casino. He never missed his grandchildren's dance recitals, school plays, concerts, soccer games, baseball games, softball games, track meets, award presentations, and graduations. He was always there for them cheering them on. He loved them with all his heart and was so proud of them. He loved having his whole family over for big Sunday dinners where he sat at the head of the table in his chair...Break Bread at the Kirkland's...There's always room for one more...You will be sadly missed but always in our hearts and always at our table. We love you Dad. Anchors Away...

Friends may call from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM in St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Norwalk.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Southwest Regional Office, 670 Main Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851. Please visit www.collins-funeral.com to leave condolences.