Richard G. DiPaola

Helped Develop Apollo Lunar Rover

Richard G. DiPaola, 79, formerly from Newtown, beloved father, husband, and companion, died October 25. Mr DiPaola was born on May 10, 1927, in New York City, the son of Marco and Virginia DiPaola.

He is survived by three children, Cecilia Dalzell of Newtown, Edward DiPaola of Brookfield, and Raymond DiPaola of Stonington. He is also survived by five grandchildren and his good friend and companion, June Ginty. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean E. DiPaola, in 2000; and his daughter, Jeniann Fisher, in 2005.

He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and later from New York University. During World War II he served in the US Army in Panama. His career focused on electrical engineering and quality assurance.

His career spanned five decades. In that time he was employed by Sperry Gyroscope in Long Island, National Semiconductor in Danbury, Curtis Instruments in Mount Kisco, Qualitron in Danbury, and Datacomm Management Sciences in Norwalk. A highlight of his career was his work on NASA’s Project Apollo Lunar Rover. This work led to his patent for a reversible coulometer.

Upon retirement, he enjoyed traveling to many foreign and domestic destinations. One of his many adventures was a driving trip across the United States to Spokane, Wash. He recently toured Sedona, Ariz., the Grand Canyon, and California.

A resident of Newtown for 45 years, he was a member of St Rose Church. He moved to Uncasville in 2005 and was an active member of his community donating his time and talent to the Handyman’s Club. He was treasurer of Parents of Murdered Children, Suffolk County (N.Y.) Chapter. He enjoyed playing golf with his children and grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, on Sunday, October 29, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Services will be held at St Rose Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, on Monday, October 30, at 10 am.

Donations may be made in his memory to Parents of Murdered Children, Suffolk County Chapter, PO Box 185, Oakdale NY 11769.

The Newtown Bee        October 27, 2006