Mr. Richard S. Munson, Sr. passed away quietly at his home on August 11, 2011 surrounded by his loving family, per his wishes. He was 87 years old. Born in Bethlehem, he moved to Woodbury in the early 1940's, where he remained until his death. He was married to Mary Ellen (Kiely) Munson for 42 years and raised 4 children; Maureen Munson Bette, Christine Munson, Diane Menona & Richard S. Munson, Jr. He leaves them behind along with his sons in law, Daniel P. Menona and Paul M. Bette and his grandson Brent S. Bette. He is also survived by 5 siblings and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 siblings.
He was a WWII Army veteran, serving in Japan as a Sergeant with the 391th Infantry Division. He worked at the Waterbury Rolling Mills for 44 years, retiring in 1986. He also ran his own business, Munson's Rubbish Removal, for 24 years.
An avid outdoorsman, approximately 50 years ago, he envisioned and created, what is known to the Town as "Munson's Grove" and endearingly to the family as "The Brook", a private picnic area on the Nonnewaug River, which is enjoyed by family, friends and the Lion's Clubs of Woodbury & Bethlehem. He loved hunting, fishing, Chevrolets, classic cars, NASCAR racing, Country and Hawaiian music, walking, sweets of almost any kind and living life to the fullest. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan and was able to see them win the 2004 & 2007 World Series. Beating the Yankees in 2004 only made it sweeter.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warriers Project 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org or to the American Legion Memorial Fund 171 Saw Pit Hill Rd. Woodbury, Ct 06798.

Cemetery: New North Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Woodbury

Services: Funeral services will begin on Saturday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Woodbury at 11: 30am. Burial will follow in New North Cemetery, Woodbury next to his wife Mary.

Visitation: Calling hours will be held on Saturday August 13th from 9 - 11am at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson - Lovetere, 2 School St.