Richard A. Kolakowski, 87, a resident of Northford all his life, died on Friday May 6, 2016 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the husband of 64 years to Suzanne Boyce Kolakowski. Richard was born in New Haven on March 12, 1929; son of the late Anthony and Emma Orzechowska Kolakowski. He was a graduate of R.P.I. and the University of New Haven and worked as a chemist at Carwin, UpJohn and Dow Chemical Co. In retirement, he spent many hours gardening and working in the woods. Father of Kim Richard Kolakowski of Vermont and Ruth Anne Gross of California. Brother of Nancy Scilipote of Northford and the late Betty Hoch. Also survived by four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue Friday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Monica’s Church at 10:00. Interment will follow in Northford Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Thursday from 5 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, 24 N Colony Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 or the North Branford Fire Department Ambulance Co. #4, 49 Old Post Road, Northford, CT 06472.