Richard Stevens Griffith April 20, 1949 – December 3, 2020
On the morning of December 3rd, 2020, Richard Stevens Griffith of Middletown passed peacefully in his sleep after an epic 17-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was 71. Born on April 20, 1949, in Olean, NY, he was the beloved husband of Kathryn (Ferrara) Griffith, with whom he is now united in Heaven. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Francis Richard and Susan Mariette (Stevens) Griffith.
Known by many as Rich, Richie, Dick, and Duff, he loved and he was loved as he touched the lives of everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. A husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, friend, coach, comedian, historian, mentor, Master Craftsman – he was a great man and will live in our hearts forever. We thank him for all the wonderful works of wooden art and cherished memories that he has gifted to us. When not in the workshop, Richard was busy with his career as an accomplished insurance underwriter with The Hartford, Zurich, and The Deep South companies. In the community, he dedicated 26 years to the Southington Youth Soccer League as a terrific coach, referee, administrator, and goalkeeper. Later, he became an expert model builder of steam locomotives, vintage fighting craft, and historic sailing vessels. He volunteered for several years at the Russell Library in Middletown. Among his greatest joys was sharing his passion for historical maritime research and building techniques with the gentlemen of the Connecticut Marine Model Society, of which he proudly served as President.
Richard is survived by his seven beloved children: Shane and Brenda Griffith, Briea and Paul Korzep, together with Jackie and Dave Boudinot, and Jennifer Murray who completed his family when he married Kathryn in November 1993. Richard will be deeply missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law Jeffrey and Joan, Rod and Pam, Brian and Roseanne, Roger and Jo, and eight wonderful nieces and nephews. He will also be fondly remembered by Kathryn’s sisters and brother and their families. His greatest joys were his grandchildren: Spencer and Nathan Russo, Camden and Kaitlyn Korzep, and Isabella, Brianna and Camila Griffith.
The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to those who helped make Richard's journey graceful and peaceful – Dr. Jason Chang, Dr. Mathew Nichols, Dr. Paras Bhatt, the doctors, nurses and staff at Water’s Edge Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Middletown, as well as his great friends Michael Jantsch, Al Silberman, James McGuffick, and all the "boating buddies." The family will have a private celebration of life in his honor at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the International Myeloma Foundation.
