Richard J. Sanislo Obituary
Richard James Sanislo passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at the age of 92 surrounded by his daughters and granddaughter; all of whom lovingly cared for him during his last few months of his life. Richard was born on August 5, 1932, to Joseph P. and Olga E. Sanislo (Figlar) at St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport CT. He spent his childhood growing up on The Figlar Family Farm in Fairfield.
He was especially proud of his Hungarian heritage and credited his father and his maternal grandfather for providing strong values and work ethic; and his mother for her "tough love". He would often say how blessed he was to have such a solid upbringing where faith, hard work, and family created such a strong foundation for the man he became. He attended St. Ann's Primary School in Black Rock, Fairfield College Preparatory School and Fairfield University, graduating in 1954.
He would credit his Jesuit training to much of his grounding in life and of course, his motto of "Everything in Moderation", which he lived by. Richard was a natural athlete. He played semi-professional ice-hockey, was an avid skier, a scratch golfer and great tennis player.
After college graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 375th Field Artillery Battalion stationed in Southern Germany. After two years of serving his country, he attended Parson's School of Design in NYC where he was able to enrich his amazing artistic abilities. He began his professional career in NYC working in cartoon animation and eventually going into printing and design.
His God-given talent was apparent in everything he touched, from hand lettering, stonework, woodworking, ice carving, and painting in many mediums. In 1957 he married his childhood sweetheart, Rosemary Hope, also from Fairfield. They eventually settled in Simsbury where they raised their four daughters.
During their years in Simsbury, Richard secured a job with Heublein Inc. where he worked for 30 years as Director of Purchasing and Merchandising. Richard would often say how blessed he was to grow up and settle in such a beautiful part of the country where he could admire God's natural beauty displayed in the change of seasons; winter being his favorite. In the Spring and Summer months Richard could be found working on his property; often with the assistance of his girls, building stonewalls, designing walkways, gardening, planting a variety of shrubs, flowers and trees; ranging from birches to evergreens and flowering ornamentals.
He created beautiful landscaping wherever he resided. Winters were spent sledding, skating and skiing with his girls. He taught his daughters to ski at Otis Ridge in MA and Killington VT.
Summers were often spent on Fairfield Beach where extended family would gather at the cottages of Lantern Point. Other favorite places to visit with his family were Granville MA, Ogunquit ME, Lake George NY, The Cape, and of course his beloved Vermont, where he continued to frequent most of his life. He loved Vermont, not only for the skiing but the peace and tranquility he found at The Weston Priory.
Manchester Vermont also became a favorite destination for golfing amidst the fall foliage. Richard's love of New England is reflected in his collection of paintings. His appreciation of barns and covered bridges was not only evident in his art, but also in the furniture he created.
Richard eventually settled in Avon, CT where he found his beloved log cabin. There he cared for his mother and helped raise his granddaughter Chelsea, with whom he shared a special connection. His cabin was a retreat where all would gather to enjoy cookouts, walks on snowy evenings, and endless conversations and laughter by the woodburning fireplaces.
He had the gift of creating the most comfortable, welcoming home where Christmas never ended, and no one ever wanted to leave. While in Avon, he dedicated much of his time to volunteering at The House of Bread in Hartford's inner city, where his hand-carved sign still hangs today. Richard was also actively involved in his daughter Kim's school, The Burlington Academy of Learning, teaching art and woodworking.
He met his second wife, Patricia Kugeman later in life and they married in 2001. He continued his love of service with Patricia by tutoring at the Children's Community School in Waterbury and was awarded the Mellon Service Award for his work there. He was actively involved with Handy Dandy Handyman Ministries in Brookfield where he helped many families in need.
Richard's faith was enriched by the many retreats he made at The Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford. His Roman Catholic faith and his desire to give back was the center of his life. His belief was God first, others second, and self last.
He taught Confraternity of Christine Doctrine (CCD) for over fifty years, guiding youths into the sacrament of confirmation. In October of 2014, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of the Archdiocese of Bridgeport presented Richard with the St. Augustine Medal for his many years of service to the Catholic church. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Kugeman, his daughters, Mary Lynn Hope Shepherd, Rosemary (Kim) Hope, Hope Sanislo and Amy Sanislo; his grandchildren, James Christopher (Chip) Acker, Chelsea Richard, Katelyn (Justin) Miller, Scott Dunstan, Geoffrey Kohlbrenner, Isabella Hope Zicari and his sister Eleanor Gehrke and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Olga Sanislo, his brother Robert Sanislo, his first wife, Rosemary Hope Robinson, and his granddaughter, Alicia Hope Acker. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 910 Main Street South in Southbury, CT with a gathering of friends and family from 10:00 -11:00 AM in the daily chapel of the church. Burial will immediately follow at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, CT.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard's name to The House of Bread, 27 Chestnut Street Hartford, CT 06120 and to The Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT at http://www.holyfamilyretreat.org. For directions, or to leave a message of remembrance, please visit http://www.carpinocares.com
