Richard Peter Gottmeier, 65, died February 5, at his residence in Sandy Hook. He was born September 21, 1949, in Youngstown, Ohio.

He graduated from Liberty High School in Youngstown in 1967 and Ohio University in 1971 with a degree in marketing with a minor in history and attained a graduate degree through the US Army Command and General Staff College. He served in the Army Reserves from 1972 to 1999, obtaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Gottmeier was a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also served in various positions in the Medical Service Corps throughout this career. He finished his duty in the Army Reserves as a recruiter for the United States Military Academy at West Point, interviewing perspective cadets and their parents. 

Mr Gottmeier had a professional career in the office furniture industry, progressing through positions of salesman, general manager, territory, and regional manager. He retired from the office furniture industry in 2014. After retiring, Mr Gottmeier worked part time as a substitute teacher. He enjoyed making a positive impact in young people’s lives. The Gottmeiers also opened their home to foster children for the State of Connecticut, providing shelter and love to more than 50 foster children over the years. 

He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, history, good food, cooking, old cars, and maintaining his house. 

His wife of 45 years, Holly Ann (Chapman) Gottmeier; five children, William C. Gottmeier, Peter C. Gottmeier, Melissa (Gottmeier) Sorrentino, Sarah (Gottmeier) Myers, Rachel Gottmeier; and ten grandchildren survive Mr Gottmeier. His parents Walentyna (Schossler) Gottmeier and Richard Charles Gottmeier and granddaughter Caroline Myers preceded him in death. 

Calling hours are Tuesday, February 10, from 4 to 8 pm, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Services will take place Wednesday, February 11, at 10:30 am, at St Rose Church, Newtown. Mr Gottmeier will be laid to rest in St Rose Cemetery in Sandy Hook.

Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or the National Heart Foundation at www.heartfoundation.org.