Richard Michael O'Grady Obituary
Richard Michael O'Grady, 97, beloved husband of Jennie (Wasielewski) O'Grady for 74 years, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at their home in Wilton.
Born in Norwalk, the son of the late Philip and Grace (Peck) O'Grady, he was also predeceased by his sister Corrine O'Grady James and his brother Philip O'Grady Jr.
Richard graduated from Norwalk high School in 1944, where he was a star athlete on the baseball and football teams. He entered the military immediately after graduating from high school, serving in the Navy during World War II. Upon completion of his military duty Richard returned to Norwalk and continued to be involved in the community, playing on multiple local sport teams.
Richard worked for the Railway Express Agency, Norwalk Police Department, Burndy and owned and operated a Mobil Gas Station in Norwalk.
At the age of 32, Richard made the decision to join his wife in the field of education and entered Danbury State Teachers College, earning his degree in 1962. After graduating from college at the age of 36 he entered into the field of Teaching. Richard then joined his wife Jennie teaching in the Norwalk Public School system. His first position was at Rowayton School, he then moved on to West Rocks Junior High School, Tracey School, and then Brien McMahon High School, where he was the cross country and indoor track coach.
In 1976 Richard became the Chairperson of the History Department at Norwalk High School. He had come full circle and was now back at his alma mater. While back at Norwalk high School he was involved in the athletic department of the school serving support roles for the Basketball, Softball and Football programs.
Richard remained at Nowalk High School until his retirement in 1995, however he could not give up teaching and continued as a substitute teacher. He taught for 16 years in the Adult Night School program and in total Richard taught in the Norwalk Public School system for 49 years.
One of Richard's greatest contributions to the Norwalk teaching profession occurred in 1973 when he was one of the founding members of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers (Local 1723 - AF of L-CIO). He was elected as the first President of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers and he was a member of Phi Delta Kappa.
In addition to his wife Jennie, he is survived by their children, Jeanne Fuller and her husband Alan of Danbury, his daughter Paula Wasiele and her husband Brian of Valparaiso, Indiana. His grandchildren Richard Fuller and his spouse Kiersten, Bradley Wasiele and his spouse Christina, Victoria Wasiele and Joseph LaJeunesse. His Great Grandchildren Riley, Leah, Brinley, and Cayden. Richard is also survived by his sister-in-law Ethelyn (Vanech) O'Grady.
The family would like to thank the care givers at First light, Hartford Health Care and especially Everly Goodwin for their compassion and care during Richard's home hospice care.
Family and friends are welcome to join on Monday, November 20, from 9-10 AM at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 229 Danbury Rd. Wilton. Burial with military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to one of the following: Our Lady of Fatima Church, 229 Danbury Road, Wilton, Ct. 06897 Saint Peter Church, 104 Main Street, Danbury, Ct 06810.
