Richard C. Spatafore 64, of Ansonia, entered into peaceful rest on Saturday morning March 12, 2011, in the comfort of his home. He is the loving husband of Rose Marie Abate Spatafore.
Originally of Barrington, RI, Richard was born on February 7, 1947. After graduation from Barrington High School in 1965, he served in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1969. He relocated to Ansonia where he resided for over 41 years. Rich was a 20 year veteran of the Ansonia Police Department and had been employed by Yale University for over 17 years.
In addition to his beloved wife of 41 years, Rose Marie, he is survived by daughters Gina (John) D’Ambruoso and Lori (Dino) Rasile; five grandchildren Maria, Johnna, Tara and John D’Ambruoso and Sophia Grace Rasile; and one great-granddaughter, Bethany Harris. He also leaves his mother Mary Carello and a sister Carol-Ann (Stephen) Del Pico.
His love for golf started at the age of 12 when he was a caddy at Barrington Country Club. He enjoyed playing at courses all over the world from Hawaii to Ireland. He was an active member of The Course at Yale, where he played almost every day. At Yale, he established many longstanding friendships, was Club Champion in 1999, achieved several holes-in-one, was a supporter of the men’s and women’s golf teams, and enjoyed volunteering for tournaments and playing in them even more. If he wasn’t golfing, he was traveling with his wife, visiting the casino, playing with his grandchildren or spending time with family and friends. Rich was also a member of the Connecticut Lion’s Club, Holy Rosary Church, and a former member of Orange Hills Country Club.
Family and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Wednesday March 16, 2011, at 10:00 am (DIRECTLY) at the Holy Rosary Church, Father Salemi Drive, in Ansonia, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Mt. St. Peter’s Cemetery in Derby. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 – 8 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. The Lion’s will assemble at 7:00 pm for a Lion’s Memorial Service to be held at 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Seymour Lions Club or Connecticut Hospice through the funeral home. To send an online condolence, please visit http://www.spinellifuneralhome.com.
