Obituary: Richard Kuelling, 78; Soloist at 2nd Congregational Church

Richard John Kuelling, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2013, in Darien. He was 78.

Born Sept. 29, 1934, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late John Albert and Esther Easton Kuelling.

Mr. Kuelling was a singer, trained as a bass-baritone on a full scholarship at Juilliard, whose early career included solo performances at the Tanglewood Music Festival and the National Gallery of Art, a tour with the National Chorus of America under Hugh Ross, and the role of King Melchior in an early televised performance of Giancarlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Local residents will remember his performances as a soloist with the Second Congregational Church of Greenwich, where he sang for more than 35 years, as well as with other organizations in New York City and the southern Connecticut area. In addition to pursuing his musical career, he was an accomplished cook and gardener, and a connoisseur of antiques. He was a loving and generous brother, uncle, and friend.

Mr. Kuelling never married, but he is survived by three sisters: Winifred K. Lewis of Darien, Marguerite K. Beaufford, of Columbia, MD, and Audrey K. Lord, of York, PA; as well as three nieces, a nephew, and their children.

A funeral service will be held at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Rd., Darien, at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, with the Rev. John Livingston of the United Church of Rowayton presiding. The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , 38 Richards Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854 or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
www.lawrencefuneralhome.com