Richard L. Velleco, age 61, entered into peaceful rest on May 2, 2022, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Paula Lopez Velleco.
Richard was born in Derby on October 6, 1960, son of the late John T. Velleco Jr. and Eleanor Lundgren Velleco. A lifelong resident of Ansonia, he was employed as the transfer station operator for Ansonia Public Works for twenty-seven years, until his retirement in 2018. A proud long-time member of the Ansonia Fire Department, he was a member of Charters Hose Co. # 4 since 1984. He served as Assistant Fire Chief from 1997 until 2005 and Fire Chief from 2005 until 2007. Rich enjoyed playing golf, was a die-hard fan of the New York Mets, New York Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys, and twenty-six-year friend of Bill W.
In addition to his loving wife Paula, he leaves to cherish his memory, a daughter, Ashley Rose Velleco of Ansonia, step-daughter, Gabriella Lopez of Shelton, step-son, Galo Lopez of Watertown, MA, a sister, Lisa Glazer (Scott) of Ansonia, brothers, John T. Velleco III (Marianeen) of Ansonia and Raymond Velleco (Andrea) of Seymour, grandchildren, Nina and Xavi Lopez and several nieces, nephews, friends and fellow firefighters. He was predeceased by a sister, Andrea Wilson.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and greet the family on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, his funeral will take place at 10:00 am (please meet directly) at Christ Episcopal Church, 56 South Cliff Street in Ansonia. Interment will be private. Contributions in Rich’s memory may be made to St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound directly at www.swimacrossthesound.org. To sign Rich’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com. #wegotthis!
