Richard Philip Elston

Devoted Husband, Parent, And Parishioner

Richard Philip Elston, 76, died peacefully in his sleep, January 18. He was born in New York City to Mary (Mulhern) and Bert Elston, April 7, 1934.

Mr Elston is survived by his kindergarten classmate and wife of 52 years, Joan. He will be missed terribly by his five children and their families, including Maureen Kerins and Robert Elston of Newtown, Carol Marie Clarke, Kevin Elston, and Brian Elston; and ten grandchildren. One of ten children himself, he is also survived by eight siblings and many nieces and nephews.

His prowess on the high school basketball court earned him a full scholarship to Providence College. Time spent in the ROTC at Providence inspired him to spend eight years in the Army Reserves where he was awarded “soldier of the month” and reached the rank of master sergeant. After college, he went on to become head dietician at Hunter College and then General Foods in White Plains. He then went into business forms sales for Standard Register Company. His success led him to start Elston Business Products, from which he retired in 2005.

Mr Elston and his wife raised their family in Brookfield. An involved parent and parishioner of St Joseph School and Immaculate High School, he did it all. He was a fixture at basketball games at both schools. He was awarded Papal recognition when he was named a Knight in the Order of St Gregory the Great, and also a Lifetime Achievement Award from Immaculate High School.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm, Friday, January 21, at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 am, Saturday, January 22, at St Joseph’s Church, 5 Obtuse Road, Brookfield.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mr Elston’s name to either St Joseph’s Church, 163 Whisconier Road, Brookfield CT 06804 or The Immaculate Fund, 73 Southern Boulevard, Danbury CT 06810.

The Newtown Bee        January 21, 2011