Richard Michael Pesce, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on May 3, 1940, in Waterbury, Rich was the oldest of two children of William and Mary (Sforza) Pesce. He cherished the gift of growing up in a close-knit Italian-American household — surrounded by his sister Barbara (Chavez), his grandparents, and what felt like an endless circle of aunts and uncles who shaped his values, his humor, and his deep appreciation for family.

Rich attended Waterbury public schools and graduated from Crosby High School before enrolling at Western Connecticut State University to pursue a career in teaching. He later continued his studies at both Williams College and Fairfield University. But it was during his undergraduate years at WestConn that the defining love of his life began: he met Judith (Carolsella), and together they started a partnership that would endure for more than six decades. Rich and Judy married in August 1964 and settled in Newtown, where they raised their two children, Richard and Cristina, and became beloved members of the Newtown school community.

Rich taught history at Newtown High School from 1964 until his retirement in 1999 — a career spanning generations of students who remembered him not only for his knowledge, but for his kindness, wit, and belief in the potential of every young person.

Beyond the classroom, Rich discovered a second calling as head coach of the Newtown High School Cross Country teams. Despite having no prior coaching experience, he built a true dynasty over a 20-year career that included 315 total wins, an astonishing 75-meet winning streak, and eight conference championships.

After retiring from both teaching and coaching, Rich and Judy left their beloved Newtown for another place that held their hearts: Eastham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. There, Rich poured his energy into the home and garden they tended with care — crafting beautiful fences, laying a brick walkway, and cultivating a bountiful garden.

Rich also gave back to his community through years of volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program, delivering thousands of meals to neighbors in need. His warmth and reliability made him more than a volunteer — he became a friend to many along his route.

He will also be remembered for his lifelong love of the New York Yankees (a bold stance amid generations of Cape Cod Red Sox fans), his appreciation for Frank Sinatra, and his deep affection for jazz.

Rich was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; his sister, Barbara; his son Rich and daughter-in-law Mylene; his daughter Cristina; and the three grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy and pride: Nicholas (son of Rich and Mylene), and William and Isabella (children of Cristina). He is also survived by a large extended family and by many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Rich, and with whom he shared countless memories and moments of love and laughter.

Details about a date and location for a celebration of life service will be shared soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Brewster, Mass.