Obituary: Richard Carleton Wharton, 85, Longtime Darien Resident

Obituary courtesy of Lawrence Funeral Home

Major Richard Carleton Wharton, USMC (Ret)
September 7, 1938 - April 23, 2024

Richard "Dick" Wharton, a cherished father, grandfather, and member of the Darien, CT community for over five decades, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, under the care of Autumn Lakes Healthcare in Norwalk, CT. At the time of his passing, he was 85 years old.

Born in Long Branch, NJ, Dick was the beloved son of Carleton and Edna Wharton of Keyport, NJ.

He graduated from Keyport High School in his hometown and went on to earn his B.S. from Monmouth College, followed by an MBA from Fordham University.

Dick served with distinction as a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was recognized for outstanding performance and dedication to his duty as a platoon commander and executive officer.

Throughout his career, Dick held prominent roles, serving as Senior Vice President and Board Member at Direct Marketing Agency Inc., and as a Division Executive at Chase Manhattan Bank.

In high school, he began playing the trombone and continued for decades in bands like The Bob Button. A devoted and faithful member of Noroton Presbyterian Church, he could be found in his usual pew by the window. This past Easter, he especially loved joining in the Hallelujah Chorus.

His knuckleball and arm led him to a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.

He is survived by his two loving children, Todd Wharton (Jodi Wharton) of Whitefish, MT, and Heather Stramandinoli (Todd Stramandinoli) of Darien, CT, along with their mother, Sandra Peppet of Norwalk, CT. He was the adored grandfather of William and Olivia Stramandinoli, Colby Wharton, and Pfc. Carson Wharton, USMC.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Carol Pollinger and June Feigenwinter. He was also predeceased by his father's second wife, Mabel Wharton.

Pop lived one day at a time, proudly, for 35 years.

A memorial service celebrating Dick's life will be held at Noroton Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m.

A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Horton Scholarship Fund at Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Rd., Darien, CT 06820, or online at https://www.noroton.church/give-online/.