Richard Eletto, age 62, died with his family by his side on April 9, 2016 at his home in Woodbury, CT.

Rich is survived by his wife Sheila, their children Christine (Adam) Tyrrell of Sandy Hook, CT, David (Cheryl) Boyajian of Trumbull, CT and Amy Boyajian of Woodbury, CT; two sisters Kathleen (Robert) Butler of Greentown, PA, Toni (Angelo) DiMichelo of Chappaqua, NY and one brother Daniel (Susan) Eletto of Groton, CT; four grandchildren, Dylan Tyrrell, Trevor Tyrrell, Sadie Boyajian and Cole Boyajian; one nephew Sean Butler and three nieces, Michelle Mattera, Daniele DiMichelo and Jacquelyn DiMichelo.

Rich was born on March 18, 1954 in Yonkers, NY to Kathleen (Kennedy) and Anthony Eletto. He graduated from Archbishop Stepinac High School in 1972 and Manhattan College in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in English. He also holds an MBA from Fairfield University, 2012.

Since graduation from college, Rich held a number sales executive positions for leading technology companies, including Monarch Marking, ICL/Fujitsu, Data General, Toshiba, AMD, Lenovo, Dell and most recently, Hewlett-Packard. Throughout his career he was recognized for sales excellence and leadership and was a mentor to so many that he worked with.

Rich married Sheila (Cary) in 1989 and they began their life together in Trumbull, CT, resided in Monroe and moved to Woodbury in 2004. As a resident of the Southbrook community, Rich served as an active member of the board until the time of his death. He was passionate about everything he did - his work, family, politics, sports, theater, music and so much more. His wit and sense of humor was so unique and he was able to make virtually anyone and everyone laugh. He loved Mickey Mantle and Michael Jordan, the Rites of String and Dr. Dre, Samuel Beckett and Kurt Vonnegut, the Godfather and Breaking Bad, Robert DeNiro and Chris Rock, FOXNews and MSNBC, chicken cutlets and frozen yogurt, Diet Coke and the finest Chardonnay. He was able to recite the height and weight of most professional athletes (and everybody else's), enjoyed coaching his son's and grandson's basketball teams as well as watering the flower garden and playing with Milo, his grand dog. There was nothing in-between for Rich, he was larger than life and lived it to its fullest. He was fiercely loyal and protective of others or else you were on 'the list.'

The family would especially like to thank the entire VITAS team of Middlebury, CT, who was dedicated to providing the best care for Rich and amazing support to his family.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Rich to VITAS Healthcare, www.vitas.com/ct/connecticut-hospice/about-us/how-to-donate OR Hospital for Special Care, Neuromuscular Clinic, hfsc.org/giving/donate-now OR ALS Association webct.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=CT_homepage OR Manhattan College connect.manhattan.edu/giving .

Cemetery: New North Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: Services for Rich will be held on Thursday, April 21 at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main St. N., Southbury, CT.

Visitation: Calling hours are from 12: 00 - 2: 00 pm with a Funeral service from 2: 00 - 3: 00 pm.