Farmington Obituary: Richard Petano, 84

Richard James Petano, 84, of Farmington, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday July 12, 2016.

Dick was born at home and raised in Newington, son of the late James T. and Bertha (Brooks) Petano. He lived in Farmington for 59 years and raised his family there.

He was predeceased by his brother Robert Petano and his wife Miriam of Newington, his sister Joan Petano of New Britain, nephew Robert Petano Jr., and brother-in-law James Wild. Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, May H. Petano, and their four sons and daughters-in-law; James M. Petano and Lisa of Terryville; David Petano and Sandy of Enfield; Richard T. Petano and Jana of Avon; Thomas Petano and Bryarly of Newington; his 10 grandchildren, Michelle, Sarah, William, Bethany, Justin, Terence, Brynn, Cole, Angela, Anthony; and 2 great-grandsons, Jack and Greyson. Also, his sisters-in- law Dorothy Wild and Donna-Jean Hayes Thurston; and his nephews and nieces, Roberta, Barbara, Bonnie, Susan, Sean, Margo, and Brian. All had a special place in his heart, and we all had our own bond with him, and he left us all with so many special memories of our family times together.

Dick was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving honorably during the Korean War from 1951-55, assigned to the U.S.S. Philippine Sea Aircraft Carrier. He worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for 25 years, and then ran his own home improvement business for many years. He was a member of the American Legion, and St. Patrick's Church of Farmington where he served as Men's Club President in the 60s.

Dick was a proud and supportive father and grandfather, and he and May seldom missed a baseball, football or soccer game, a school play, choir or band concert. He coached Little League, he taught his sons how to fix cars, repair homes, and plant a garden; how to fish for trout in the river and surf- fish bluefish on Nantucket; how to hunt deer and camp in Vermont, where he often said "this is really living". His wit, wisdom and confidence were his trademarks and his legacy.

Funeral services for Richard will begin on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave, Newington, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 183 Church St, Newington. Family and friends may call on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Newington Memorial Funeral Home. Richard will be laid to rest in St. Mary Cemetery, Stanley St., New Britain.

Donations may be made to the Newington VA Hospital, Attn: Volunteer Services, 555 Willard Ave, Newington, CT 06111.