Obituary: Richard A. Joslyn, Jr., 87, longtime Guilford resident

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, Richard A. Joslyn, Jr, longtime resident of Guilford, CT and most recently of Evergreen Woods in N. Branford, CT, passed away. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara L. (Hedeen) Joslyn. Richard was born in Mishawaka, Indiana on April 28, 1934. He was the son of the late Richard A. Joslyn and Olive (Jacklin) Joslyn. He was the loving father of Richard A. Joslyn, III and his wife Nancy of Norwalk CT and Christian W. Joslyn and his wife Sheri of E. Haddam, CT. He is survived by his grandchildren Richard Philip and his wife Donielle, Kevin, Jeffrey, Julia and Meigan. He is also survived by his loving sister Carol and her husband, Dennis He was predeceased by his son, Philip Davidson Joslyn.

After living in Indiana for a while, Richard moved to Duluth, Minnesota with his family. Richard graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1956 with a degree in electrical engineering and business. He immediately applied for and received an officer's position in the US Navy. Richard married Barbara Hedeen, the love of his life whom he met in the orchestra at The University of Minnesota in 1956, and was assigned to Miramar Naval Station in San Diego, CA. In 1957, Richard was sent to Nuclear Propulsion School in Las Vegas and returned to Miramar in 1958. Richard resigned from the Navy in 1959 to pursue non-military opportunities.

Richard worked at Robertshaw Controls in Pennsylvania until being transferred to the International Division in Richmond, VA. Richard’s first son was born in Richmond. Robertshaw was purchased by United Technologies in 1960. Richard was transferred to Geneva, Switzerland and later to Amsterdam, Netherlands as VP of Sales and Marketing. Richard’s second son, was born in Amsterdam. Richard and Barbara travelled extensively in Europe and the Middle East calling on top executives and establishing United Technologies. They moved back to the USA and their third son was born in Mansfield Ohio. United Technologies restructured in 1975 and Richard resigned to take the position of VP of Sales and Marketing for the Kerite Company, a division of Hubbell , Inc.

In 1987, Richard and Barbara’s youngest son, Philip, was killed by a drunk driver while riding his bicycle, which was devastating to them. In 1992, Richard asked for and was granted early retirement. At the same time, his first grandson was born and then 2 more grandsons. He and Barbara kept themselves busy babysitting 1-2 x week, which brought them joy and they called this “a labor of love”. They were thrilled when 2 granddaughters were added to the family . Richard’s grandchildren meant so much to him.

Richard was an avid sailor and was happiest on the water. Richard and Barbara packed up their boat and cruised to warm waters for the winters. Richard and Barbara eventually made their home in St Croix, US Virgin Islands where they lived for almost 17 years. Richard was president of the condo assoc and president of their large private social club; always sharing his innate ability to manage and grow a business. Richard was an avid tennis player for 70 years and was a dedicated road racer for many years and participated in many races. Richard was a licensed private pilot.

Richard lost his beloved wife in May 2013 after 58 years of blissful marriage. Her death and 180 mph hurricane winds in 2017 convinced Richard that the time had come to return to mainland USA. He became a resident of Evergreen Woods in 2017. Richard continued his lifelong piano playing at Evergreen Woods. He also remained a member of the Sachems Head Yacht Club and the St Croix Yacht Club.

A celebration of Life will be held on March 10, 2022 at 11 am at the Stony Creek Congregational Church on 192 Thimble Island Rd in Branford, CT. Burial with military honors will follow at Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston St Guilford, CT. Contributions in memory of Mr. Joslyn can be made to either fund for the Stony Creek Congregational Church, 1.) Restoration fund for the church building or 2.) Benevolent Fund.