Richard F. Guzda

Richard F. Guzda, 75, of Southington, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Bristol Hospital. He was the beloved husband for 52 years to Catherine H. (Laurendeau) Guzda.

Richard was born on January 18, 1942 in Stamford, CT son to the late Francis and Violet (Parker) Guzda. A proud American, Richard was a 6 year veteran of the US Army Reserves. Richard was a stoic, quiet, dignified man with a great sense of humor who was always willing to offer a helping hand. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and UCONN men and women’s basketball. He was an accomplished basketball and baseball coach and guided many teams to league championships. Richard was a talented and passionate golfer, having won numerous club championships, placing near the top in nationwide golf tournaments, and once earning the title of State Amateur Champion Golfer. In addition, in 2002, he placed near the top in Myrtle Beach at the World Amateur Championship. He loved taking his family on trips to Vermont and New Hampshire and enjoying the outdoors while camping and fishing. He was an avid dancer with his wife, Cathy. Richard was a hardworking man and was a long time employee of Northeast Carbide as a toolmaker. Above all, he was a devoted husband to his wife, father to his two boys along with their spouses, and grandfather to their children. He was a very proud ‘Papa’ to his three grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and all that knew him.

In addition to his wife, Catherine, Richard is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Richard Guzda and his wife, Stella and Kevin Guzda and his wife, Brenda; his grandchildren, April, Richie, and Anna Guzda; his siblings, Carole Guzda, Mary Ann Schmedlin, and Kathy Raino; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He also leaves behind his cat, Coaco.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 23 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 94 Broad St., Plainville. Military honors will be accorded following mass. Burial is at the convenience of the family. Visitation will be held Saturday morning prior to mass from 8:30 to 9:30 at Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad Street, Plainville. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard can be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. 

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