Richard M. Targett, Jr, 85, of Danbury, died peacefully September 9, at Danbury Hospital, while holding his treasured wife’s hand — just as he had always wished. He was born May 29, 1933, in Danbury and was the son of the late Richard M. Targett, Sr, and Helen (Walker) Targett.

In addition to his cherished wife of 64 years, Joanne; his siblings, H. Joy Previdi of Newtown, James J. Foley III of Danbury; Elizabeth A. Lewis of Florida, Jean M. Johnson of Massachusetts, Barbara T. Raftery of Washington, and Ann M. Martin of Stratford; and eight children and their spouses, Richard Michael and Luciana Targett of Moraga, Calf., Robert Matthew Targett of Danbury, Christopher Meade Targett and Shannon Smith of Waban, Mass., Timothy Francis Targett of Danbury, Patricia Anne Targett and David Castruccio of Danbury, Ellen Walker (Baker) Targett of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Nancy Jane Targett and Dr Ike Schurman of Columbia, Md., and Amy Elizabeth Targett of Chattanooga, Tenn. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his loyal Siamese cat.

His grandson, J. Hunter Green; son-in-law, Dr Patrick G. Eaglin; sisters, Margaret M. Stave and Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Snell; and his parents predeceased him.

Mr Targett graduated from Danbury High School, Class of 1951, and from Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H.

He was a US Army veteran who served during the Korean War. After returning from military service he worked for the family business, Targett’s Laundry Inc. He then became employed in the claim department of the Aetna Casualty and Surety Company, where he was a lifelong employee. He retired in May of 1997 as Litigation Manager in the Hartford office after 40 years of service.

In his younger days, Mr Targett was active in both local and state politics. He, along with his wife Joanne, were also foster parents to many children over the years. They volunteered at the Dorothy Day Hospitality House and for Birthright.

Mr Targett loved and enjoyed spending time with his wife and family. He was an avid reader of American history and politics, and he enjoyed conducting and listening to music and sharing his favorites with everyone.

His loved ones say that he taught them so much — from how to face challenges with dignity, grace, and courage to the importance of history and grammar. He will be remembered by those who knew him for so many things, including his unconditional love, his ever-present-no-matter-what sharp wit and great sense of humor, and the spark that shone though his bright blue eyes.

The family would like to extend Mr Targett’s and their profound gratitude to Dr Murali Chiravuri, who for the past ten years was much more than just his doctor; and to the Danbury Hospital Eight Tower nursing staff.

The family will receive friends Thursday, September 13, from 5 to 8 pm, at the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 14, at 10:30 am, at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, with Rev Joseph Prince officiating. Burial will follow in St Peter Cemetery, Danbury.

The Richard M. Targett, Jr, Annual Scholarship is being set up at Danbury High School in his honor.