Richard F. Stefanec, 79, husband of 54 years of the late Margaret Townsend Stefanec, passed away on August 24, 2025. Born in Bridgeport on February 1, 1946, he is the son of the late Helen (née Klimas) (born August 24, 1918) and Frank Stefanec. He is survived by his only child, Laura.

He attended Quinnipiac University studying business and planning, where he met his future wife Margaret "Marge" Townsend. They were married on September 17,1966 at St. Rita's Church.

After earning a master's degree at the University of New Haven, Richard worked as a production planner for Dresser Industries. It was from here that he retired. After retiring, he took many trips with Marge to Mohegan Sun and other day trips.

Richard was an avid football fan, both college and pro. He was a loyal Giants fan. He, as a Notre Dame fan, enjoyed verbally sparring with very good friend Robert, a die hard Michigan fan. Richard as a Giants fan, enjoyed watching football with Laura, a Jets fan (a fun rivalry), especially the pre-game show. They both loved Terry Bradshaw.

After Marge's passing in 2021, he began to babysit his friend Lisa's Rottweiler, Ginny. Her gentle giant took to him immediately, as most dogs did. He looked forward to seeing her every day and cooking them both lunch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 29 ^th at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Burial will follow in East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven. Donations can be made to Animal Haven in North Haven. Funeral arrangements in care of Beecher & Bennett, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.