Obituary: Bernard G. Richitelli

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Bernard G. Richitelli
Bernard G. Richitelli

PROSPECT — Bernard G. Richitelli, 82, of Prospect, formerly of Beacon Falls, entered peacefully into eternal rest Aug. 22, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born in New Haven on May 6, 1931, Bernard was son of the late Domenic and Jesse (Mazza) Richitelli. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Blanche Richitelli. He is survived by a son, David Richitelli of Shelton; daughters Deborah Lanne of Beacon Falls, and Amy Botti of Shelton; eight grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and his longtime friend Anna Georgetson.

He will be remembered for an impressive career in aviation at Sikorsky Aircraft as well as his professional contribution to the design and development of the Black Hawk helicopter. His life was enriched by his passion for racing, competitive skating, ballroom and disco dancing, sailing and biking on the Milford Shoreline, the New York Yankees, and his ability to build, reconfigure, and fix anything and everything. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and Reserves from 1951 to 1959 and was a member of the Beacon Falls Congregational Church.

Calling hours will be held Monday, Aug. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the James T. Toohey & Son Funeral Home, 92 Howe Ave., Shelton. A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. with Rev. James Van Pelt of Beacon Falls Congregational Church officiating followed by full military honors. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bernard’s memory to VITAS Hospice Services and Paradigm Health Care Center of Prospect, both of which treated him with the utmost kindness and compassion while preserving his dignity.

To leave online condolences, visit www.tooheyfuneralhome.com.