Richard J. O'Mara, 82, died February 4 at his residence in Sandy Hook. Born July 21, 1933, in Holyoke, Mass., he was the son of the late Edwin J. O'Mara and Helen Griffin. On June 30, 1956, he married Carolyn J. Spellacy who preceded him in death on July 10, 2011, after 55 years of marriage.

He graduated from The Loomis Institute in Windsor, Conn., and Yale University, Class of 1955. He was a veteran of the US National Guard and was retired from General Electric in Bridgeport after 41 years of service.

The O'Maras had enjoyed watching UConn women's basketball together, and were especially fond of dining at the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown, and the family would like to thank the entire staff for their friendship.

Mr O'Mara loved the time that he spent with his family, and especially cherished the time spent with his grandchildren.

His two children, Maralyn Zinsky of Shelton and Kathleen Kasper, and her husband Scott, of Killingworth; and three grandchildren, R.J. Kasper, Zachary Zinsky, and Jessica Kasper; two nephews and a niece survive Mr O'Mara. In addition to his parents and wife, his brother, Edwin J. O'Mara II, preceded him in death.

His family is forever grateful to friends and neighbors of Walnut Tree Village-Phase 2 for their kindness and all the assistance that was given to Mr O'Mara over the years.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Wednesday, February 10, between the hours of 4 and 7 pm. Funeral services will take place at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, Thursday, February 11, at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Rose of Lima Memorial Fund, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470.