CAPE CORAL FL - It is with profound sadness that the family of Mr. Richard J. Tirpak, Age 85 of Bonita Springs FL and longtime resident of Waterbury, CT, shares the news of his peaceful passing on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Hope Hospice House in Cape Coral, FL

Richard was born on July 14, 1940, in Torrington, CT, the son of the late Michael R. and Catherine S. (Belli) Tirpak. He moved to Waterbury in 1949 where he attended the local grammar school and graduated from Crosby High School, class of 1958. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he honorably served his country. In 1958 Richard began his military duty as a radio intercept operator being trained at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX and Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS. He then served for two years overseas in Peshawar, Pakistan and Brindisi, Italy where he was eventually promoted to Airman 1st class serving until 1962 when his active duty ended. He remained on inactive reserve duty until his final discharge in 1964. He revered his military service as one of the greatest accomplishments in his lifetime. Richard was also employed for many years with the United States Postal Service retiring after 30 years as a Supervisor at the Waterbury downtown branch which also made him proud. He continued working thereafter for an additional 10 years at Wells Fargo Mortgage Co. serving as their mail coordinator.

Richard was a member of BPOE Elks Lodge #265-Waterbury (Life Member), American Legion Post 303 and Moose Lodge #1454 and active participant at the Bonita Springs Senior Center. Prior to moving to Florida, he was a member of American Legion Post 135 and Post 200 in CT, and a long time communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Waterbury. Accomplishments through his earlier years in Waterbury include president of St. Mary's Home & School Association, officer in both the APWU and NAPS organizations and chairman for the Crosby High School Class of 1958 reunion committee for many years. He was a recreational bowler from 1960-1980, loved playing cribbage with his friends and daughters and found great pleasure in the yearly horseshoe tournaments at the Belli family picnic. In addition, he was a fan of NFL Football Sundays (Pittsburgh Steelers) and of watching NASCAR races.

Richard was a very devoted family man. He was a fun and very kind man with a wonderfully unique sense of humor. His greatest joy came from time spent with loved ones including his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his companion, family members and his many friends throughout his years. May he live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know and love him.

Left to cherish his memory and honor his legacy are his two daughters who adored him, Joan Tirpak of Oakville, CT and Deborah Cummins and husband James of Bonita Springs, FL., his companion and love for many years Judi Hartland of Scottsdale, AZ, his sister Barbara Fox of Middlebury, CT, Grandchildren - Dayna Failla (Michael) of Harwinton CT, Daniel D'Amico (Kenneth) of Nashville, TN, Great-grandchildren - Jacob Michael and Charlotte Rose Failla.

Funeral Services with full military honors for Mr Tirpak will be held on Friday May 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. directly at the State Veterans Cemetery, Bow Lane  Middletown CT. Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St., Waterbury, CT has been honored to care for the Tirpak family during this difficult time. Loving kindness is always welcome and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.