Richard W. Mayhew

Richard W. Mayhew, 73, of the Plantsville section of Southington, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the loving husband of Sandra (Bodwell) Mayhew for 38 years.

Rich was born on March 19, 1952 in New York City to the late George and Carolin (Brokhahnne) Mayhew.

He proudly served in the Connecticut Army National Guard as a medic (SP-4) from January 1972 to January 1978.

Rich worked as a Connecticut State Trooper for seven years and served as a firefighter and paramedic for the town of Hamden for 24 years, retiring in 2005. He lived his life with strong faith, immense love for family and dedicated service to country and community. Rich enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, target shooting, reading, and spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren who were the light of his life. His greatest adventure was seeing Ireland on a BMW motorcycle with Sandy on the back. They enjoyed many rides on their Harley-Davidson “Ultra Classic” Firefighter Edition touring motorcycle with their H.O.G. Friends. He was a member of the Bell City Rifle Club, the Wallingford Rod and Gun Club, and a former member of New Haven H.O.G.

Rich is survived by his wife Sandy, her daughter, Lisa Fields and their grandchildren, Ian, Sam and Tessa. He is also survived by his daughter, Brianna Zegzdryn, her son, Ben, his son, Christopher, his brother, Alan Mayhew (Carol) and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Rich was predeceased by his sister, Carolin, Calabrese and one infant sister, Barbara Mayhew and his faithful, loving rescue dog, Harley.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich’s memory may be made to Tunnels2Towers (https://t2t.org/).

A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Burial with military honors will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. at the funeral home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.