Harry A. Richetelle, Jr.
November 23, 1929 ~ February 13, 2022
Born in:
New Haven, CT
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
Harry A. Richetelle, Jr., 92, a lifelong Hamden resident, passed away February 13, 2022. Born in New Haven on November 23, 1929, he was the son of the late Harry A. Sr. & Doris (Smith) Richetelle. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Elaine (Schenk) Richetelle, his children; Lori Richetelle Pizzi (Robert), Carl Richetelle (Richard DiGirolamo), and Glenn Richetelle (Deb), grandchildren; Nicole and Michael Pizzi and Kyle (Erin) and Jodie Richetelle, a great-granddaughter; Sophia Richetelle, and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Green.
Harry was a U.S. Army Veteran, stationed in Japan during the Korean War from 1951-1953. He married Elaine in 1954, and a long successful career as a salesman would follow, working for Brock Hall Dairy, Cott Beverages, and United Electrical Supply. Harry retired from Quinnipiac University in 2003. At the age of 16 he joined the Mix District Volunteer Fire Company, and later earned the rank of Lieutenant. He held the offices of Treasurer, Vice President, and President, a role he filled for 12 years. Harry became a member of the Hamden Elks Club #2224 in 1971, rising through the official chairs until becoming Exalted Ruler. He remained involved for as long as he was able, serving as the Elks Permittee and Chairman of the House Committee. A skilled duckpin bowler, Harry belonged to the International League for over 51 years. He was extremely supportive of his children and grandchildren’s activities, coaching for the Hamden Fathers Baseball Association for 13 years, Hamden Youth Hockey for 6 years, and assisting with the Junior & Senior Girls Softball League. A longtime active member of Christ Lutheran Church, Harry would volunteer every week during the service. He was also an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Rangers, and enjoyed watching NASCAR.
Friends are invited to visit with Harry’s family on Wednesday, February 16th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, and may attend his Funeral Service on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Hamden Plains Cemetery.
Services
Visitation: February 16, 2022 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
Funeral Service: February 17, 2022 10:00 am
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
Elaine & family I am so sorry for your loss, Harry was such a pleasure to work with at the lodge. My family will always cherish the fond memories of him and all the laughs we had with my father and Jane and Eric. RIP Harry
Glenn and Family,
My family and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family at this very difficult time.
May your Dad Rest In Peace.
New NIHOA Official
Lovely,lovely man…I always loved a good chat with Harry at QU.
So sorry we couldn’t be there Carl and Rich. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Karen & Duane
To the family of Harry Richetelle
My condolences to his family . He will be missed a lot .
Maryann Curello
Hamden Elks
Thoughts and prayers for the Richetelle family.
Billy and Lisa Johnson
The Hamden Elks won’t be the same without you, Harry. We always admired the dedication, time and energy that you devoted to the Elks. We will miss your involvement and the good times with you. You have been a pillar of strength that kept the Lodge strong. We will always think of “Harold and the Purple Crayon” at Thanksgiving when you worked for so many years – and on your birthday! Your family, the Elks’ family and the Guy family will always remember you.
We are so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. I have many fond memories of him at Carl and Rich’s lake parties. May you keep him alive in your hearts.
Joel Grossman and Patrick Herzing
Duanes Electric, and RPM oilers- my baseball coach on both in about 72 and 73. Time flies.
Our VCH, Veterans Coffee House meets monthly at the Wlfd Senior Center which not only gives our Vets the chance to socialize but also take part in enjoying a guest speaker which are related to military topics, slide presentations and Q&A. At this very difficult time, our group would like to honor the loss of Harry Richetelle as a fallen brother. Our military Veterans send out their heartfelt condolences to the Richetelle family and friends. As an Army Veteran and Volunteer Firefighter, he had joined an elite group of honorable men and our Country will forever be in his debt.