Richard P. Dobson Sr.'s Obituary
Richard P. Dobson, Sr., 88, of Stafford Springs, CT, beloved husband of the late Patricia (Haggerty) Dobson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
He was born in Stafford, CT, the son of the late Thomas R. and Julia (Fagan) Dobson. Known to many as “Dick,” he was a lifelong resident of Stafford and a devoted servant to his community.
Dick proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. Following his military service, he enjoyed a long and successful career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, where he retired as a supervisor.
Deeply committed to public service, Dick dedicated much of his life to the Town of Stafford. His government service included membership on the Stafford Democratic Town Committee, the Stafford Board of Selectmen, and serving as First Selectman from 1975 to 1977. He was also a member and former Chairman of the Stafford Board of Finance, Chairman of the Stafford Recreation Commission, and a member of the Stafford Wetlands Commission, Conservation Commission, Schools Building Committees, the Stafford Housing Authority Building Committee of Woodland Springs, and Stafford Fire Department No. 1.
Beyond town government, Dick was civically active as a Corporator and Trustee of Stafford Savings Bank, and as a Corporator, Trustee, and Executive Board member of Johnson Memorial Hospital.
In recognition of his dedication and service, Dick was honored as the Stafford Grange No. 1 Community Citizen of the Year in 2001 and received the Stafford Rotary Club Paul Harris Award.
A faithful parishioner of St. Edward Church, Dick was also a third-degree member of the Rev. Felix J. O’Neil Council #1395 Knights of Columbus.
Above all, Dick was a loving father and grandfather who cherished his family. He is survived by his daughter, Catherine Charest and her husband Raymond of Mont Vernon, NH; his son, Richard P. Dobson, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth of Stafford Springs, CT; his grandchildren, Julia and Ryan Charest; step-grandchildren, Hailey and Nathan Butler; sisters-in-law, Shirley Dobson and Mary Haggerty; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Earla Haggerty; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife Patricia, he was predeceased by his brothers, Robert, Ronald, and Kenneth Dobson, and by his sisters-in-law, Jean and Marjorie Dobson.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at All American Assisted Living and the nurses at Compassus for their exceptional care and support.
Dick will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, and lifelong commitment to family, faith, and community.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with a procession forming by 10:00 AM at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Edward Church, 55 High St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. Calling hours are on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Stafford Garden Club, P.O. Box 1124, Staffordville, CT 06077, or to the Stafford Historical Society, 5 Spring St., Stafford Springs, CT 06076. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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