Richard passed away on Febraury 16, 1983 at the age of 60 of a Pulmonary Embolism in Montclair, CA.   He is survived by his wife Betty (formally Gonya of Upland, CA, daughters Betty Chapman, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Debra Kruse, Upland, CA, son Richard Kruse, Los Angeles, CA, one grandson, three granddaughters and nephew Clay Winters, Sherman, CT

Richard was born Feb 24, 1922 in the North End of Waterbury.  He attended Driggs School and Wilby where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball.  He married Mary (Betty) Gonya class of 1941.   Richard joined the Marines after Pearl Harbor and fought in the Pacific with the 2nd Marine Division.   He worked for Scovill's and lived at 17 Neil St until he moved his family to Montclair, CA in 1959.  He worked for Sears, Pomona, CA until his death.  He was a gifted athlete and played semi-pro football with the Waterbury Redskins.   He loved college as well as professional football and basketball.  His favorite teams were the UCLA Bruins, New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and the Boston Celtics.