Richard J. Strickland

Richard (Dick) Strickland, 86 of Wallingford, formerly of Southington, died August 14, 2025 at Midstate Medical Center, following a short illness.

He was born in Benton Maine, Feb. 16, 1939, the son of Ida and Elwyn Strickland. He was a graduate of Skowhegan High School, and Central Connecticut State University. He was an industrial Engineer at Pratt and Whitney, retiring at the age of 55. At that time, he returned to CCSU to earn a Masters Degree in Industrial Education and then returned to the manufacturing industries to teach, retiring again at the age of 73.

Dick, with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, was “Mr. Fix It” for friends and family, and always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. A runner for most of his life, he enjoyed being active, attending the Southington YMCA with his buddies, playing golf, and working in the wood working shop at Ashlar Village where he resided at the time of his death. He truly was a man of character.

He is survived by his wife Sharon to whom he was married for 60 years. Together they traveled the US and to many National Parks, hiking unfamiliar trails and always having daily “adventures”. It was a life well lived. He is also survived by his 2 daughters, Elaine Pellegrino (Dan) of East Hampton, Ct., and Amy Gates (Rusty) of Montverde, Fl., as well as his 4 grandchildren who were the center of his life – Emma and Bennett Pellegrino, and Aidan and Finn Gates. Also considered part of his family is his “Katie Kerplunk”, Kathi McNabola Wood. He was predeceased by his brothers, Allan and Elwyn Strickland.

A Celebration of his life will be held at the The Manor Inn, 1636 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, Plantsville, CT August 23rd 2025 from 1-3 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the woodworking shop where he spent many happy hours. Make checks payable to Ashlar Village Wood Working Shop and mail to Kim Megalhaes 74 Cheshire, Rd. Wallingford, CT 06492.