Richard A. Elia, 68, of Hamden passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at the Vitas Hospice, St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury with his family by his side.  He was the beloved husband of Susan DeLucia Elia. Richard was born in New Haven on March 29,1946; son of the late Pasquale and Christine Crescenti Elia; served his country faithfully as a Sergeant in the US Air Force during the Vietnam era; had worked as an Accountant for many years; was a member of the V.F.W. and a NASCAR fan.  Father of Christine D. Uzpen. Step-Father of Teresa A. DellaRocco. Brother of William (Mary Anne) Elia. Great-Uncle of Juliana and Joey.

His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Thursday morning at 9:00. Family and friends may call from 8:00 to 9:00 AM.  A Mass of Christian burial will follow Church of the Ascension at 9:30. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O.Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or the Vitas Hospice, St. Mary’s Hospital, 199 Park Rd., Ext., Middlebury, CT 06762.