Richard W. Molinaro

Richard W. Molinaro, 75, of Danbury, husband of the late Susan (Fortin) Molinaro, died on Thursday evening, September 14, 2023.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September  18, 2023, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter Church, 121 Main St., Danbury.

Interment will be private and at the direction of the family.

Friends will be received in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Ave., Danbury on Sunday, September  17, 2023, from 3 PM to 6 PM.

Contributions in Rich's memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741

                                                                                             OBITUARY

With family at his side, and Michele, Richard Molinaro passed away peacefully at Danbury Hospital on September 14th after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Richard was born in Danbury on October 7, 1947 to Dominick and Louise (Recine) Molinaro. He was a graduate of Danbury High School, Southern Connecticut State University, and a veteran of the Army Reserve. Richard married Susan Fortin, the love of his life and high school sweetheart in 1967 and together they raised three daughters. He was the epitome of a “girl-dad” long before it was trendy and relished that title until his dying day.

In his early life he tested several career paths including a motorcycle salesman, as addiction counselor and even a drummer in his friend’s band, The Rogues. That was all before he found his true calling as a teacher, mentor and coach. Richard taught at both Henry Abbott and Kaynor Technical Schools. He coached both boys and girls basketball and was especially honored to be an advisor to the Abbott Tech Class of 1985. He forged many special relationships with his students and co-workers, all of whom he could call on at a moments’ notice and vice-versa.

Always the advocate, Richard was a member of the Danbury Democratic Town Committee, served for many years on the Common Council and sat on the Board of Directors for the CIFC. After he retired from teaching he turned his passion for photography into a thriving business and thoroughly enjoyed being a part of weddings, parties and professional sporting events too numerous to mention. (And we never mentioned it if the Yankees or Giants were losing). Later on when his disease forced him into physical therapy and in-patient rehab, he would simply look at it as having a whole new audience for his corny jokes and an opportunity to make new friends.

Although Richard had a wonderful career, many friends and a large, extended family, it was his role as a grandfather that brought him the most happiness. Jada, Ava, Brie and Jett were his pride and joy and he adored them completely. “Buddy,” as they called him, was their biggest fan. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts and an unfathomable void in our lives. It might also lead the bakeries in and around Danbury to experience significant financial loss. A true connoisseur of confections, Richard was always in search of the perfect lemon meringue pie (other than Kathy’s), chocolate eclair or cream puff. He would then announce his findings and ratings to us as though he was employed by The Food Network. Had he been better at social media, he might have had his own bakery blog. In this regard, the family hopes that you remember Richard fondly the next time you enjoy an amazing dessert.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Susan, his brother, Joseph Sr., and, tragically, by his eldest grandchild, Jada.

He is survived by his daughters Kristi (Larry), Jennifer (Donovan), and Maureen as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 18th, 2023 at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 121 Main Street, Danbury.

Interment will be private and at the direction of the family.

Friends will be received in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Ave, Danbury on Sunday September 17th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Contributions to Richard’s memory may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research, PO Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 221741

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