Richard Charles Smoragiewicz, 73, of Glastonbury, beloved husband of Mary Ellen (Rago) Smoragiewicz, passed away peacefully on Monday (March 16, 2020) at St. Francis Hospital after a brief illness. Richard was born in Hartford on September 24, 1946 to Charles Smoragiewicz and Lillian (Koharsic) Smoragiewicz. He graduated from Hartford High School, earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut, and received his Juris Doctorate Degree from Suffolk University Law School. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was honorably discharged. After beginning his legal career at Travelers and Connecticut Natural Gas, Richard spent the 22 years prior to his retirement as the Director of Labor and Employee Relations for Unimin Corporation in New Canaan, often traveling to industrial worksites across North America. Within his local community, he was a Greater Hartford Jaycees member, East Hartford Rotarian, Special Olympics volunteer, and St. Dunstan Church parishioner. Within his extended family, he was a witty brother-in-law, kindhearted uncle, lifelong outdoorsman, reliable handyman, avid golfer, astute cardplayer, and unwavering Red Sox fan.
Richard was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Linda (Smoragiewicz) McBreen. In addition to his devoted wife of 38 years, he is survived by: His children and their spouses, Kathryn (Smoragiewicz) Paradis and Christopher Paradis of Boston, MA, Kristen Smoragiewicz and Tyler Stevens of Brooklyn, NY, Gregory Smoragiewicz and Carla Brun of Washington, D.C.; his siblings and their spouses, Nancy (Smoragiewicz) Czapla and Edward Czapla of West Hartford, Thomas and Mary Smoragiewicz of Newington; and his loyal dog, Mika. He will continue to be admired, appreciated, and adored more than his humility would ever allow him to admit.
Funeral services will be held at a later date. The Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. For further information or to extend condolences, please visit Farleysullivan.com.