Richard Lee Ainsworth, 80, of Sandy Hook died peacefully on June 3, after a long and hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's disease just short of his 81st birthday. He was born June 8, 1936, in Springfield, Mass.

Mr Ainsworth graduated from West Springfield High School and went on to Florida State University where he earned a BS degree in baking science and business management. He was a varsity cheerleader all four years and a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

He married his wife of almost 59 years, Louise Morin, on August 16, 1958. They lived in Tallahassee for his senior year. After graduation, he began his career with Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake in East Hartford and stayed with them until he retired in 2001. His career included many promotions and moves over the years. The family made their final move to Sandy Hook in 1976.

Mr Ainsworth was a 41-year communicant at St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus St Virgilius Council 185.

Besides his wife, his children and their spouses, Steven and Kimberly Ainsworth of Prior Lake, Minn.; Michael Ainsworth of Springhill, Fla; William and Claudia Ainsworth of Woodbury; and Diane and Rick Morton of North Granby survive him. The couple were blessed with 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with one more on the way. He also leaves behind two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, as well as four nephews, a niece, and too many cousins to count.

Mr Ainsworth had a lifelong love of cooking and baking. He was best known for his bread, rolls, and pizza. He was happiest when feeding a lot of people. He had many other hobbies and interest over the years.

An outgoing and friendly person, Mr Ainsworth enjoyed striking up conversations with strangers, and he was always ready to help anyone who needed it. He will be greatly missed by friends and family. The grandchildren especially will miss hearing grandpa say, "Help yourself, don't be bashful."

Calling hours will be on Monday, June 12, from 4 to 7 pm, at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 North Main Street, Southington

His funeral will be conducted on Tuesday, June 13, at 10:45 am, from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home to Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage Street, Plantsville, for a Mass at 11:30 am. Burial will be at South End Cemetery, South End Road, Southington.

Donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or Vitas Healthcare, 199 Park Road Extension #102, Middlebury CT 06762.

For online condolences and directions, visit dellavecchiafh.com.