Obituary: Richard Mather Hosley, 79, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Richard Mather Hosley of Guilford passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Born on November 7, 1942, to Richard E. Hosley and Emma Seibold, he shared a colorful and adventurous life with his beloved wife, the late pottery artist, Sharon Hosley for 57 years. Rich was the proud father of Ric Hosley, Jr. (Kim) of Chester, CT and Susan Pingree (Brett) of Falmouth, ME; his five grandchildren, Cecelia, Hunter, and Isabel Hosley, and Blaise and Cassidy Pingree; his special niece Wendy Stach (Matt) of Durham, CT; great niece/nephew, Jaide and Brodie Stach.

Rich had a strong interest in historical connections and a deep reverence for the natural world spending most of his life outdoors. Possessing an unparalleled work ethic, Rich accomplished legendary engineering feats with great physical tenacity. As an explosives’ implementation expert, Rich was a thirty-five year-long member of and contributor to The International Society of Explosives Engineers. He pioneered multiple explosives engineering techniques and innovated rock drilling efficiencies that allowed him to form enduring business relationships spanning five decades.

Remarkably adept, mechanically inclined, and fiercely competitive, Rich was a nationally recognized, award-winning antique car and British motorcycle enthusiast, a ribboned enduro racer and eventually, a successful MotoGiro motorcycle competitor. There were not enough shelves to hold all his trophies. His life-long love of rock and roll was formed on the fields at Woodstock where he arrived on a 650 Norton motorcycle.

Rich took enormous pride in his family’s accomplishments and adventures. He reveled in a long hike in the woods with his family, squeezing through glacial rock crevices, identifying birds, and exploring new trails. His spirit will live forever in his beloved Branford and Guilford woodlands, and in the quarries and construction projects he worked on throughout Connecticut.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 12 noon at the First Congregational Church in North Guilford, 159 Ledge Hill Road. A Celebration of Life is planned for the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Branford Land Trust https://branfordlandtrust.org/.