Obituary: Richard C. Memmott Sr., Ret. WHFD, 78, Of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home): Richard C. Memmott Sr., Ret. WHFD, 78, of West Haven, passed away July 3, 2023. Born in New Haven August 15, 1944, he was the son of the late Charles J. Memmott, Jr. & Ruth (Smith) Memmott.

Richard is survived by his wife Wendy (Dockery) Memmott; his sons, Richard C. Memmott, Jr. & his wife Cheryl of Branford and Michael Memmott & his wife Jessica of Bristol; stepdaughters Julianna & Marissa deNicolo of West Haven; grandchildren Sarah, Ashley, Paige, James & Mikayla Memmott; and nephew Raymond Memmott & his wife Jodi and their children Arlyn & Rachael of West Haven. He was predeceased by his sister Linda R. Memmott.

Dick retired after 26 years with the WHFD; he went on with a second career at Masonicare in Wallingford for over 20 years as Director of Community Services. He also worked part-time at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home for many years. Richard was an Army Veteran of the Connecticut National Guard.

Richard was Past Master Councilor and a Past Advisor of West Haven (now Robert H. Heller) Chapter of the Order of DeMolay being invested with the Degree of Chevalier and elevated to the rank of Legion of Honor. He made significant contributions to the Connecticut Ancient Free & Accepted Masons for over 56 years.

Richard held many subordinate offices in Annawon No. 115 prior to his election as Worshipful Master in 1982 and then again in 1998. He also served as Chaplain, Treasurer, Secretary, and Historian. He was appointed to several Grand Lodge committees, including: Masonic Culture & Public Relations, Custodians of the Work, Honors & Awards, New England Brotherhood, and Chairman for the Credentials & Grand Lodge Session Preparation Committees.

In addition, Richard held many Grand Lodge Offices including Associate Grand Marshal 1985 -1986, District Deputy 1990 – 1991, Grand Tiler 1998 – 2016 (elected Grand Tiler Emeritus 2016), and Grand Secretary 2016 – 2018. In 1998, he was awarded the Pierpont Edwards in Bronze and in 2008 he was coroneted with the Scottish Rite’s honorary 33° for Distinguished Service to Humanity. He was a charter member of Ashlar No. 332, a Past Patron of Golden Rod Chapter #34 O.E.S, and a member of many other concordant and appendant Masonic Bodies.

Richard also had a lifelong passion for genealogy. He leaves behind a significantly rich body of generational research and will be remembered as someone who was eager to assist and encourage others in their personal discoveries.

Contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the First & Wesley Church or to the Masonic Charity Foundation, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home here.