Richard J. Miecznikowski, 80, of Bristol, beloved husband of Mary Ann (Sitka) Miecznikowski, died on Sunday, April 24, at home. Rich was born in Hartford on Dec. 8, 1941, and was a son of the late John and Bernice (Czaplicki) Miecznikowski.
A lifelong Bristol resident, he graduated from Bristol High School, Central Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree, and the University of Hartford with his master’s degree. He taught language arts at Harry S. Fisher School in Terryville for 35 years.
Active in Bristol politics, he proudly served on the Bristol Board of Finance for 27 years, 12 years as chairman. He also previously served on the city pension board and as a Bristol councilman. He was an active member of the Bristol Elks Lodge #1010 and was a life-long parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church serving on the parish’s finance board.
Rich was very passionate about sports. He enjoyed playing golf at Pequabuck Golf Club, bowling, and tennis. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and UConn Huskies. He coached junior high basketball at Fisher Middle School.
His greatest enjoyment came from watching his daughters compete on the soccer and softball fields. The family extends a special thank you to his caretaker, Diane. Rich’s family took great pride in providing care to their father and husband, which allowed him to remain present in his home comfortably and be at family gatherings. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play around the house.
In addition to his wife of 45 years, Rich is survived by two daughters: Susan Moreau and husband, Robert, and Ann Thompson and husband, Jason, all of Burlington; five grandchildren: Marissa, Ryan, Mary, Abigail, and Grace; a sister-in-law: Helen Miecznikowski of Bristol; and nephew, John Miecznikowski. He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Miecznikowski.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 29, at 10 a.m. from Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, to St. Stanislaus Church, 510 West St., Bristol, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.
Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home on Thursday between 4 and 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Stanislaus Church Youth Ministry, 510 West St., Bristol, CT 06010.
Please visit Rich’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.