Richard J. Jaworski

Richard J. Jaworski, 77, of Newington, passed into God's loving embrace on Thursday, October 16, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. He was the cherished husband of Barbara (Grubski) Jaworski for 54 beautiful years. In addition to his beloved wife, Richard leaves behind his treasured daughters, Laura Jaworski and her husband Christopher Joe of Wethersfield, and Cheryl Jaworski of Newington. He will be deeply missed by his loyal feline companion, Peyton. Richard was born in Altenstadt, Germany to the late Joseph and Stefania (Zyluk) Jaworski. Raised in Munich, Richard immigrated to the United States at the age of 9 and made the American dream his own. A proud graduate of New Britain High School, he went on to study Civil Engineering at Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana, and the University of Connecticut. He served his country with honor in the U.S. Army National Guard for seven years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant and Combat Engineer. In 1970, Richard began what would become a distinguished career with the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation. With a brilliant engineering mind and deep passion for design, especially horizontal geometry, he rose through the ranks to serve as Bureau Chief of Aviation and Ports. In that role, he oversaw operations and administration at Bradley International Airport, Connecticut's general aviation airports, seaports, and state piers. He took immense pride in the transformation and continued growth of Bradley Airport, regarding its success as one of his most meaningful professional achievements. Beyond state service, Richard's expertise was sought across the globe. He served as a consultant to the FAA and FEMA, providing critical assessments in the wake of natural disasters, and even advised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on highway structure design, a unique and treasured career highlight. But more than any title or accolade, Richard's greatest joy and deepest pride was his family. They were the very heart of his life. Whether on spontaneous road trips, sun-drenched beach days with a cup of coffee in hand, or holiday traditions shared around the table, he relished every moment together. He loved seeing the grandeur and beautiful majesty of the United States while traveling with his beloved wife, daughters, and son-in-law. He was never happier than when behind the wheel with his family, sharing experiences, music playing, stories flowing, and the open road ahead. A true renaissance man, Richard's curiosity knew no bounds. He was an avid reader and a lifelong learner with a passion for art, ballet, math, poetry, opera, astronomy, cars, airplanes, and more. He could build, repair, or explain just about anything, and had a gift for making the complex feel simple. His motto, "There's a solution to every problem, don't quit," reflected both his resilience and his belief in the power of persistence. Richard also gave back to his community in countless ways, as a longtime member of the Elks Lodge, a dedicated official with the Newington Swim Club, a board member of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, and a committed participant in local planning and zoning initiatives. In 2006, he was honored with the Bring It Home to Hartford Award for his advocacy with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Brainard Airport. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, October 25th, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Burritt Hill, 332 Burritt St., New Britain. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in New Britain. Richard will be laid to rest with military honors, in recognition of a life lived with honor, integrity, and love. Memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army at www.salvationarmyusa.org, The Newington Volunteer Ambulance at www.newingtonems.com or the CT Humane Society at www.cthumane.org. To share a memory or condolence, please visit us at www.duksa.net. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit our floral store.