Richard C. "Chris" Fleisch, 61, of Monroe died peacefully February 21 in Vitas Hospice at St Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, three days after his birthday. He was born on February 18, 1957, in Bridgeport, to Betty and Richard Fleisch.

His mother, Betty Lou Fleisch of Newtown; his girlfriend, Connie Rich of Trumbull; his daughter, April Fleisch of Trumbull; his sons, Richard and Coltin Fleisch; and his siblings and their spouses, Doug and Marlene Fleisch of Monroe, Eric and Susan Fleisch of Norwalk, Gary and Michele Fleisch of Monroe, Eva Fleisch and Jesse Freleigh of Michigan; and Paul and Sharon Fleisch of Michigan, survive him.

His father, Richard Fleisch, and brother, David Fleisch, predeceased him.

Mr Fleisch was self-employed most of his adult life in a successful small business, Straight A Striping, working throughout Connecticut and New York. He was an avid Boy Scout leader and encouraged his sons to achieve a multitude of badges. They enjoyed many years attending meetings, outings, and camping trips together. He was also an involved member of the Friday Night Gang participating in outings with his daughter.

Despite the many hardships and setbacks he endured throughout his life, Mr Fleisch maintained his friendly childhood demeanor and unending optimism to the very end. Even through his suffering, his good-natured personality could not be squelched.

The family would like to thank the staff at Vitas for their efforts to make Mr Fleisch's final days as pain-free as possible.

A private memorial will be conducted for immediate family.

Memorial donations can be made to the hospice of one's choice.