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R.I.P. Richard Evanko Sr.
R.I.P. Richard Evanko Sr.
Richard G. Evanko, Sr., of Stratford, entered into eternal rest suddenly on Friday, July 12, 2013, at his home. He was born on July 20, 1942, in the Lordship area, the son of the late William and Frances (Dlugos) Evanko.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Linda (Potz) Evanko. In addition, he is survived by his children-Katherine Ryan (Rob) of Kettering, OH, and Richard (Kay) of Orange, CT, as well as their mother, Patricia. He enjoyed a close bond with his younger brother Robert (Venera) of New Rochelle, NY, as well as numerous and very dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dick was predeceased by his devoted brother, William; his cousin, Dr. Donald Evanko, Sr.; Larry Cunningham (Kathy)-a best friend for over 50 years; and many aunts and uncles. He will be sadly missed by-Pierrette Evanko (Bill); Linda Palmieri Evanko (Don); Lois and Ernie Foito, Trumbull; Donna and Jeffrey Morris, Vermont.Richard was a 1961 graduate of Notre Dame Catholic High School, and named to the N.D. Athletic Hall of Fame. He continued his education at the University of Dayton, in Ohio, and was the recipient of a four-year football scholarship there, graduating in 1965.
Dick cherished his enduring friendships with John Reichelt (Kathy) of New York; Frank DelToro (Ann) of CT; John St. Angelo (Diane) of Rhode Island; Michael Ciccolello (Kathy) of Ohio, as well as others too numerous to mention. In addition, he lovingly embraced his neighbors at Maple Oak Reserve-all of whom enhanced the quality of his life each and every day.Passionate about his many interests, they included snowmobiling throughout Canada, The Gaspe Peninsula, and Yellowstone National Park. He recently became a proud member of the Country Squires Flight Club at Sherwood Island, Westport. His dear friends there mentored and supported Dick’s progress toward his goal of mastering remote-control model flying. He also especially enjoyed creative cooking, as well as long discussions and debate on U.S. and military history.
Vacationing on the oceanfront each spring in Daytona Beach, Florida, brought him great joy and peace. In addition, early in their marriage, he and Linda built a beautiful year-round vacation home in Townshend, VT, where family and friends were welcomed and nurtured throughout every season for more than 26 years.
After college, Dick was employed by the Dayton Tire Company, Ohio, later becoming their Northeast Regional Sales Manager and receiving multiple awards for outstanding achievement. He then went on to share ownership of a successful tire franchise, with his brother, Bill, in Bridgeport, serving the vehicle needs of Sikorsky, Avco, Remington, and all the building trade unions in Fairfield County. Subsequent to that, he pursued a satisfying career in property management-first, for U.S. Motors, Milford, until the company moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Thereafter, Dick became property manager for the Trefz Corporation throughout CT, based at headquarters in Bridgeport. He was also a licensed real estate broker.After nine years with the Trefz brothers, he accepted a position with Automatic Distributors of Bangor, Maine, as New England Regional Sales Manager, retiring from the company in 2012.
Richard was generous, caring, loyal, determined to overcome any obstacle, and extremely content with his achievements and the fullness of his life experiences and choices. Arrangements are in the capable hands of the Pistey Funeral Home in Stratford. At his request, there will be no calling hours. However, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church, located at 651 Stratford Road, Lordship, on Wednesday, July 24, at 10:00 AM, and all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may make a donation in Richard’s memory to Homes for the Brave-655 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (homesforthebrave.org)-with the intention of providing housing, medical care and employment assistance to our returning veterans. He was a vocal lifelong Democrat who believed we can never do enough for those who have sacrificed so much for their country.
In conclusion, Linda extends her deepest gratitude to the Stratford Police Department; Stratford EMS; her neighbors, Diane Saslow and Patrick McHale; nephew, Danny Foito; and brother-in-law, Ernie Foito, for their immediate response and compassionate intervention on Dick’s behalf. Please visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com to leave condolences online. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ctpost/obituary.aspx?n=richard-evanko&pid=165926774&fhid=24233#fbLoggedOut
