Richard E. Claus Sr.'s Obituary
Richard “Dick” Edward Claus, Sr., 97, of Willington, CT, husband of the late Joyce Elaine Lee Claus, passed away on May 31, 2022. He was born on May 10, 1925 in Hartford, CT, raised on a tobacco farm by his parents, the late Edward R. and Amelia Kocum Claus. Dick served our country in the U.S. Army during World War II as a marksman and machine gunner in the 703rd anti-aircraft artillery earning a victory medal. He retired as a telephone installer with Southern New England Telephone Company. Farming was in his blood growing sweetcorn and strawberries, plus he had a real passion for breeding champion Simmental cattle as well as training Labrador retrievers. He also served as Willington’s Animal Control Officer for many years. A devoted, loving husband throughout their 68 years of marriage, and a guiding, inspirational, loving father. As a proud father, he is survived by his three children, Richard E. Claus, Jr. (Nora), James R. Claus (Susan), Deborah Slayton (Marvin); four grandchildren, Nora Bergeron (Mike), Heidi Morey (Scott), Justin Claus and Mitchel Claus; as well as four great grandchildren, Ashlynn, Jackson, Michaela and Colton. He also leaves behind a close family friend, Becky Sinoski and her son Evan. To Dick, spending time with his family and friends was the most important thing in the world and nothing made him prouder than celebrating their accomplishments. Leading by example, Dick instilled strong work ethics with his children, but when not working he also shared his passion for hunting and fishing. He was an avid member of VFW Post 938, the East Hartford Sportsman’s Assoc. and was a member of the American Simmental Assoc., Tolland County Farm Bureau as well as an honorary lifetime member of the Willington Hill Fire Department. Upon retirement, he still remained incredibly active. Besides serving as the Animal Control Officer for 20 years, he became a school bus driver for Smith Bus Company. His favorite passion started in 1977, founding Fenton River Farm, that focused on raising Simmental Cattle for the last 45 years. From his love of raising cattle, Dick inspired dozens of people over the years, including many youth in Tolland County 4-H. Simply put, Dick was one of those people that everyone loved. He would try to learn all he could about everyone, making you feel like you were the most important person in the room, because to him, you were. A captivating storyteller, he never forgot a name in all his 97 years. The way he would draw anyone in with his magnetic personality, he was the kind of person no one could forget. Always taking the lighter side of life, you could hear his hearty laugh wherever he went. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he lived his life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of gifts or flowers, Dick and Family would ask for donations to be made to the Tolland County 4-H, 24 Hyde Ave., Vernon, CT 06066 or the Willington Hill Fire Department, 24 Old Farms Rd., Willington, CT 06279. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11 A.M. at Moose Meadow Cemetery, corner of Turnpike Rd. and Moose Meadow Rd., Willington, CT. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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