Richard Allen Chodkowski

Richard “Rich” Chodkowski, 63, of Moodus, passed away on Thursday morning, April 28, 2016, at the home he built, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Meriden, Rich was born on March 15, 1953 to the late Vincent and Genevieve (Domrad) Chodkowski. He attended Wilcox Technical High School. Rich married his dear wife, Alice (Brothers) Chodkowski, on July 29, 1978 at St. Andrew Church in Colchester, where they have been decades-long parishioners. A master craftsman, Rich worked hard as a union carpenter for Local 24, and his own business, RC Builders, was a venture he enjoyed for many years. When he wasn’t tinkering on projects in his shed or garage, Rich could be found enjoying animals and the splendor of nature, assisting his wife in the kitchen, singing oldies tunes, or helping his boys make their houses into homes. His giving heart knew no limits. During his early years of fatherhood, Rich volunteered as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for 12 years, and he helped to coach their baseball teams. In addition to his beloved wife, Alice, Rich is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law: Chad and Lisa Chodkowski of Moodus, and Matthew and Christa Chodkowski of East Haddam; his twin sister, Patricia Olmsted of Meriden and her husband, Arthur; his sister Gail Chodkowski of Meriden; his brother, Gary of Wallingford and his wife, Janet; his brother, David of Florida and his wife, Rachael; his brother, Joseph of Meriden and his wife, Cheryl, and numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family members and friends. Rich was predeceased by his brother, Vincent of Maine. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 1st from 5 – 8 pm at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester.  The funeral procession will begin to assemble at 9 am Monday, May 2nd at the funeral home before the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated at St. Andrew Church in Colchester at 10:30 a.m. Richard will be laid to rest in the New St. Andrew Cemetery following the Mass.  Donations in his memory may be made to the East Haddam Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 375, East Haddam, CT, 06423. www.auroramccarthymccarthyfuneralhome.com