NAUGATUCK — Richard Tavares, 88, husband of Maria (Fidalgo) Tavares, died peacefully on June 15, 2020.
Richard was born on Jan. 5, 1932 in Waterbury, a son of the late Manuel J. and Miquelina (Pavao) Tavares, lived in Naugatuck most of his life and was a proud U.S. Navy veteran. Richard worked at Uniroyal, Inc. at the footwear division and retired from the chemical division, and also drove the bus for the Naugatuck Senior Center. He was an avid fisherman and a member of the Waterbury Fish and Game Club.
In addition to his wife, Maria, Richard is survived by his sons, Richard Tavares and his wife, Dawn, and Manny Tavares and his wife, Pam; his daughter, Donna Saleh and her husband, Rifat; his grandchildren, Danielle, Richie Lee, Desiree, David and Matthew Tavares, Dr. Farrah and Amber Saleh; his great-grandchildren, Mariah, Madison and Raelynn; his brother, Edward Tavares; many nieces and nephews; and his devoted dog, Little Ricky. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor Paolino.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, June 18, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church St., Naugatuck. Everyone attending is kindly asked to meet at church. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Naugatuck. Calling hours are Thursday from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck. Everyone attending any of Richard’s services are required to wear facial coverings and to adhere to proper social distancing guidelines.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Richard’s memory, contributions may be made to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.
To leave an online condolence, visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.
