Richard J. Nadolny

It is with true love, appreciation and admiration we honor the life well-lived and passing of Richard John Nadolny. September 29, 2023, was the day we lost our loving human being, but we will never lose his essence of love.

He was born, raised and spent the first half of his days in New Britain, CT. Subsequent stops were made in Bristol, CT, Melbourne, FL, Pittsboro, NC, Avon, CT and lastly in Southington, CT. In his formative years he was an excellent student and attended Boston College. While there he learned, from the first love of his life, Kayloy, that academia would have to give way to starting and nurturing a family because they were with child. Richard took this next chapter of life most seriously - getting married, finding a job and securing an apartment, then added seven more children to ensure life would remain interesting.

It was during this period that Richard became the person who showed by example what it means to live a life of high character, balance and integrity. First and foremost, he understood the most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. This he did wonderfully. Teaching his children well included: providing a warm, safe home; displaying a strong work ethic while at The New Britain Herald; exhibiting quality of character built on right thoughts, words and actions; spending time with them - be it at play with a board game, in the yard, or a trip to Stanley Quarter Park, helping with homework or making pancakes on Saturday mornings; providing an upbringing where laughter and music (Kingston Trio, Simon and Garfunkel, Peter, Paul and Mary) filled the air. Other bestowals of light and love given by Richard included the importance of reading books and an education training one to think, the wisdom of kindness, the power of inclusivity, being positive and hopeful, and the strength of family and friends.

It is said adversity reveals character, and Kayloy's passing wounded Richard, but his good character ultimately proved steadfast and true. Many years went by, but his heart was open once again to discover the second love of his life, Theresa. Terry's love and devotion to Richard was exquisite, and a little daring if one considers he had eight grown children at the time. Richard welcomed in Terry's children and family as well. This chapter of life was more laid back. With his working days finished, he pursued his love of golf. He became an Officiant and presided over many weddings and services for family and others. He and Terry loved nature and its beauty, hiking, traveling, sharing a bottle of wine, and Richard could finally sneak in quiet moments he so rarely got with such a large, extended family.

Beside the legacy of family, Richard's other inspirations which move us brightly and we cherish in our own lives include the willingness to sacrifice one's own pursuits for others, demonstrating the importance of good character and honoring commitments, showing all respect and kindness, modeling that giving and service is greater than receiving, exhibiting humor, and the building of relationships.

What matters in life is how we live and love. Pablo Picasso once said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Richard has given us his “gift” - serving all through continuous – often silent, seemingly effortless - acts of love.

To us the name of father was another name for love. Thank you, Dad.

Richard was predeceased by his parents Aloysius and Irene Nadolny, first wife Kayloy (Apruzese), son Steven, and son-in-law, Bradford Geyer. He is survived by his wife Theresa of 28 years, 9 children and step children [Robert (Lorri) Nadolny, Larisa (Don) Baillargeon, Alan (John) Nadolny, Vanessa (Bradford) Geyer, Bethany Nadolny, Jonathan (Erin) Nadolny, Daniel (Melissa) Nadolny, Colleen (Katie) Barry and Raymond (Amanda) Barry], 12 grandchildren [Ashley (Tonio) Occhialini, Alyssa Nadolny, Tayler (Rachel) Nadolny-Sipes, Olivia (Nick) Graham, Autumn Geyer, Sarah Baillargeon, Piffanie Rosario, Jackson Nadolny, Albert Smith, Ivy Rose Nadolny, Peri Nadolny and Evan Barry], 3 great grandchildren [Mark Occhialini, Declan Occhialini and Julian Graham], his sister, Sandra Nadolny, a number of brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

Lastly, in his final days Richard said of his life, "It's been a joy." May we carry on living a life of truth, and in that way bliss will enter our hearts as it did yours. Hope to see you laughing in a star!

In lieu of calling hours or services, Richard's family will be having a Celebration of Life gathering at Hawk's Landing Country Club, 201 Pattonwood Drive in Southington, CT on Saturday, October 21 between 2:00 and 5:00 pm. A remembrance service will be at 4:00. You are welcome to bring a picture or share a story.

Also, In lieu of flowers Richard was a big supporter of any charity that fed people. Please consider donating to The Plainville Community Food Pantry (https://www.plainvillefoodpantry.org/) or the World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org/).

 Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhomehome.com.