John Richens,'s Obituary
John "Jack" Richens, Jr., 85, of Stafford Springs, CT passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Johnson Memorial Hospital. Jack was born in 1926 in the city of Boston, MA to the late John and Dagny (Anderson) Richens. The Richens family moved to Stafford Springs, CT, which is where Jack attended school, having graduated from Stafford High School in 1945 and later enrolling in the Porter School of Design in Hartford where he studied drafting. Jack married the former Claire Crandall in 1948. With the Korean Conflict looming on the horizon, Jack was called to active service. He served his country with honor in the Army from 1950 until 1952. Jack started his long career as a tool designer with Pratt and Whitney Aircraft and retired in 1983 having been employed for over 30 years. Jack was an active participant in the Town of Stafford. He served on the committee to design and build the new Stafford Free Library, long time President of the Stafford Tax Payers Association keeping a discerning eye on the town's Selectmen, and formerly headed the Stafford Housing Authority. Jack and Claire were long time members of the Second Congregational Church of Stafford at West Stafford. Jack was an indispensable part of the church. He was a tireless worker at every fundraiser whether it was a tag sale, barbecue, or recycling program. He was a long time Board of Trustee member. When the church's steeple was destroyed by lightening, Jack was on the front lines raising money for a new one. In their search for new ministers, it is Jack who applied his Masonic values to the process. Jack embarked on his Masonic career in 1962 being raised in Wolcott Lodge No. 60 A.F. & A.M. in Stafford Springs, CT. He was presented with the Peirpont Edwards Medal in Bronze for distinguished Masonic Service. Jack set an example of his true Masonic values providing service to his family, his community, and his beloved fraternity. Besides his loving wife of 64 years, Claire, Jack is survived by his two children, Mark Richens and his wife Kelsey, and Nancy Richens and her husband Al Kazokas, Jr.; two step grandsons, Karl Miles and Al Kazokas III; sister, Gail Richens; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 11 A.M. at West Stafford Cemetery, West Stafford Rd. (Rte. 190), Stafford Springs, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Second Congregational Church of Stafford at West Stafford, 199 West Stafford Rd., Stafford Springs, CT 06076, or to Wolcott Lodge No. 60 A.F. & A.M., P.O. Box 74, Stafford, CT 06075. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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