Richard W. Bryden, Sr., age 85, lifelong resident of Hamden, husband of the late Eunice Hubler Bryden, passed away on May 27, 2012 at Midstate Medical Center. Born on September 12, 1926 in New Haven to the late William and Myrtle Coggeshall Bryden. Richard is survived by his four sons and daughters-in-law, Rick & Jill Bryden of Cheshire, Ray & Margaret Bryden of Prospect, Rob & Janice Bryden of Cheshire, and Scott & Valerie of Northford; ten grandchildren, Hayley, Melody, Rachel, Sarah, Lindsay, Meredith, Natalie, Scott, Spencer and Jenna; sister-in-law, Joan Peterson and her husband Robert (Bob) of Hamden. After graduating from Hamden High, Richard proudly joined the US Navy having served during WWII. He started his working career as an electrical engineer with Hubbard Lawless & Osborne. He later retired from SNET as a building engineer. When his children were young, he was always involved with their baseball and hockey teams. As his beloved grandchildren were born, he continued being involved in their young lives and later supported them in their different hobbies. He was an avid bowler and golfer who also loved volunteering his time to his children's house projects. For the last couple years he greatly enjoyed being an usher at the Quinnipiac Sports Center and being able to watch all the different games. Richard will be remembered as a great husband, amazing father, doting grandfather and the easiest going guy you could ever hope to know. Friends may visit with his family at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Thursday, May 31, 2012 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and may attend his funeral service beginning at 10:00. Interment with military honors will follow in Centerville Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association , 5 Brookside Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492.