Richard J. Danko, Sr.

Richard John Danko, Sr., 82, of the Plantsville section of Southington, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Rich was born in New Britain, CT on June 2, 1944 to the late John and Jennie (Pac) Danko.

Rich worked most of his career at the White Oak Corporation and retired from Tilcon. He coached little league for almost 30 years at Western Baseball League, having had the opportunity to coach his sons and grandsons. He enjoyed NASCAR, UCONN women’s basketball, the NY Yankees, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church now St. Luke Parish.

Rich, lovingly known to most as Papa was a devoted family man. He loved dogs, gardening and tinkering with cars and equipment. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it, especially his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra (Pacyna) Danko, his seven children, Cheryl Kaminsky (John), John Danko (Lori Ann), Richard Danko Jr. (Tina), Jeffrey Danko, David Danko (Lori), Christian Danko and Mark Danko. He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren, Matthew Danko, Brian Kaminsky (Chrissy), Danielle Meola (Anthony), John Danko Jr., Sean Danko (Katie), Maeghan Danko, Taylor Conroe-Riddle (Garrett), Bekru Danko, Nora Danko, Emily Voisine (DJ), Craig Frobel (Haley), Austin Danko, Kayla Danko, Dylan Danko (Sabreena), Lynsey Danko, Travis Danko and Lauren Danko and his 8 great grandchildren, Lyla, Liam, Theodore, Maverick and MaKenna Danko, Elsie and Charlene Voisine, Jace Frobel. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Kenneth Danko, his in-laws, a brother-in-law, several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, (https://www.stjude.org/).

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026 from the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Plantsville Funeral Home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.