Richard E. West's Obituary
Richard E. West, 88, of Stafford Springs, CT passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Stafford, son of the late Herbert and Catherine (Schindler) West, Jr. He spent his career as a truck driver and mechanic, most recently for Williams Oil. He enjoyed touring states on motorcycles, attending NASCAR races, tinkering on many projects in his workshop and watching UCONN men’s and women’s basketball games. He had the ability to literally fix ANYTHING! He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #60. Affectionately known as “The Bear”, he is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, JoAnn (Hamer) West; son, Kevin West and his wife Shelley; grandchildren, Nicholas West and his wife Samantha, Eric West and his wife Danielle, and Melissa Wood and her husband Keith; great grandchildren, Quinn, Sloane, Sage, Jonathan Richard, and Dean; sister, Roberta McKinney; and many nieces, nephews and close friends which includes special friend, Rick Duquette. He was predeceased by a son, Shawn West; an infant daughter; and brothers, Roger, Raymond and Ronald West. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 P.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial in West-Cushman Cemetery will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 8 Church St., Stafford Springs, CT 06076. To leave a message of sympathy for his family, or for directions, please visit: https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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