Obituary: Richard T. Hyde, 81, of Fairfield

From Lesko & Polke Funeral Home

Richard T. Hyde, devoted husband of Rose Dorin Hyde, of Fairfield, passed away on November 27, 2016.

Richard was born in a snowstorm in Bridgeport, CT. on February 18, 1935 to the late Agnes (Burns) and Harry Hyde. Richard attended Saint Thomas Elementary School in Fairfield, Fairfield Prep and Roger Ludlow High School, graduating in 1953.

A good ballplayer, he was the starting catcher for the varsity baseball team; although he ran like he had a refrigerator on his back. He joined the United States Army right out of high school and married his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Rose in 1956. Richard worked over 30 years for the Southern New England Telephone Company, retiring in 1987.

In 1987, after retiring from SNET, Richard and his late brother Harry along with Richard's sons started Extel Communications, which is still thriving today. Richard also was in business with his brother Harry forming H&H Builders and the two of them along with their kids, constructed numerous additions and provided custom carpentry for many happy customers. There wasn't anything he and his brother couldn't build or fix, including plumbing, electrical or even cars.

Our Dad worked three jobs as a young man to support his family in Fairfield as well as ensuring that each of his children attended private schools.

A harder working man you will never meet and Richard passed his work ethic along to his children, sometimes as only a former army drill instructor could. Think of Robert Duvall's character "Bull" Meecham in "The Great Santini". Dad would also give the shirt off his back to anyone who asked, and would help anyone in need never looking for anything in return.

Richard was also extremely well read and could talk in depth about any subject, especially poetry, history and politics. Also, being Irish, he could spin a tale from the old days like few others. A true man of his times, he was extremely proud to be an American, and was part of a generation who sacrificed for the benefit of others.

Dad was a long-suffering New York Mets fan and a Green Bay Packers fan, because of his hero, Vince Lombardi. Our Dad and friend will be truly missed.

Richard leaves behind his adoring wife of 60 years, Rose (Dorin) Hyde, his four children, Sheila Takacs and her husband Joe; Susan Hyde and her companion, Al Barbosa; Richard Hyde and his wife, Jacqueline and Thomas Hyde and his wife Lynne. He also leaves behind his nine grandchildren to cherish his memory: Joseph Takacs; Ian, Nicholas and Alex Thompson; Brittany and Richard Hyde; Jonathan, Katherine and Daniel Hyde.

Richard was predeceased by his older brother Harry whom he adored, and his infant granddaughter, Kelly Ann Thompson. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Doris Hyde, brother in law Ken Dorin and sister in law Peggy Dorin. He also leaves behind his good buddies Don DeMattia, who played on the same high school baseball team with Dad, and told us many times that Don could never hit a curveball; Jack Dundon, his Extel pals, Sal and VJ, as well as many nieces and nephews.

On Saturday (December 3rd) from 9 to 1030 AM, friends may greet his family in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM in Holy Family Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Entombment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery with military honor.

In lieu of flowers, Richard would have loved donations to Saint Jude's Hospital as children always had a way of touching his heart.

For more information, and to leave online condolences, visit Lesko & Polke Funeral Home here.