Richard Robert Gavin, age 80, died peacefully with his wife, Gail, by his side on Wednesday, October 27, at their Newtown home.

Richard was born on October 7, 1941, in Washington, Vt., son of the late Jeannette and John Gavin.

Richard worked 31 years as a psychiatric aide at Fairfield Hills Hospital, where he met Gail, his bride of 58 years. He was a member of the Stony Hill Fire Department in Bethel for 20 years; two of those years as chief. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

He and Gail settled in Bethel for 28 years. They took early retirement and purchased a beautiful 20-acre farm in his hometown of Washington, Vt., and named it Clover Mist Farm. They lived there for 15 years. In 2004, they moved to Bonita Springs, Fla., for 17 years. In June 2021, they moved to back to Connecticut to be closer to family.

Richard is survived by his wife, Gail Gavin; daughters, Kimberly Gavin and partner, David Bambino, of Newtown, and Laurie Kattar and husband, Jeffrey Kattar, of Derry, N.H.; sister, Shirley Simpson, of Gilman, Vt.; grandchildren, Zachary, Christine, and Gavin; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, on Saturday, November 6, between 11 am and 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Information and online condolences can be found at honanfh.com.