Richard Wallace Newman, Jr, 66, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Saint John Paul Center II in Danbury, following a years-long battle with Frontotemporal Degradation (Dementia, FTD).

He leaves his wife, Jan Newman; his two step-daughters, Erika Lelievre and Thyra Monaghan; two grandchildren, Lucie and Bryn; his mother, Jane Newman; his brother, Mike Newman; two nieces; and many more family and friends.

Born in Milford and raised in Newtown, the son of Richard Wallace Newman “Dick” (deceased) and Jane Newman, he was a proud resident of Newtown. He worked for Tallman Builders for most of his career and completed his working days spreading his fishing passion to our community as the owner of Newtown Bait and Tackle with his wife.

Rich excelled in his passions. He was a professional finishing carpenter, fisherman, golfer, and guitar builder. He loved riding motorcycles, exploring in RVs, hiking to great fishing spots, tying flies, and, most of all, his family. But what makes Rich stand out above all others was his happy-go-lucky attitude, his playfulness, his love of life, his spontaneity, his generosity, his ability to make anyone crack a smile, and that laugh; he was always laughing. He will be missed more than words allow.

Because of his generous spirit, the family will donate his brain to hopefully further research into FTD.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, June 29, 2019, at 107 High Rock Road, Sandy Hook, from 1 to 5 pm. All are welcome.