DANBURY, CT — Richard J. Aronson, a former Danbury High School band director and longtime public school educator, has died at age 85 following a single-vehicle crash in Newtown.
Aronson, of Danbury, died July 21 after his vehicle left Mount Pleasant Road and traveled about 40 feet down a steep embankment, according to Newtown police. He was transported to Danbury Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Born Nov. 21, 1940, in Middletown, Aronson graduated from Valley Regional High School in 1958 before earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Hartford's Hart School of Music in 1963, according to his obituary. He later earned a master's degree from Western Connecticut State College and a sixth-year certificate from the University of Bridgeport.
Aronson began his teaching career with Danbury Public Schools in 1962. He served as band director at Danbury High School from 1967 to 1979 before later becoming director of fine and practical arts for Darien Public Schools, where he worked until retiring in 1999 after 32 years in public education.
After retiring, Aronson spent approximately 24 years working at Honda of Danbury, where his obituary says he developed lifelong friendships while pursuing his passion for automobiles.
His obituary describes him as a lifelong advocate for children and adolescents who cherished his family and enjoyed traveling.
Aronson was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Maureen M. Aronson. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret LaBelle; grandchildren Nathan and Sarah LaBelle; his brother, Robert Aronson; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial Mass will be held July 31 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Litchfield, followed by burial at New St. Francis Cemetery.
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