Richard Papeika, 71, of Woodbridge died peacefully on February 11, 2022 at Smilow Cancer Hospital after a long brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Rich was born in New Haven on February 8, 1951 to the late Albin and Mary (DeLucia) Papeika. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Karen, his son Gregory and daughter-in-law Brenda of Milford, sister Debbie Papeika of Wallingford, brothers Michael and his wife Bonnie of Hamden and Jimmy and his wife Jill of Bethlehem, PA, and his devoted best friend in the world Joe Cuticelli and his wife Leslie of Madison, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Rich grew up in Fair Haven and later Hamden, graduating Hamden High School in the Class of 1969. Rich was a man dedicated to his work having spent nearly 50 years in the metals industry, first at Detroit Steel in Hamden for nearly 14 years and then Ulbrich Stainless Steel & Special Metals of North Haven for 35 years until his retirement as a Senior Vice President in 2019. As several people have said, Rich had more fun during his working years than most guys have in retirement. He traveled the nation and the world for his work, and always found enjoyment in whatever exotic locale in which he found himself from the streets of Paris, France to the melting mills of Mansfield, Ohio, from the golf courses of Ireland to the factories of Owensboro, Kentucky. In his spare time, Rich could often be found cooking up some classic or novel recipe in his kitchen, enjoying a cigar on the golf course with his son and his friends, or warming a barstool at Eli’s in Hamden or the Elks Lodge in Branford with a vodka in his hand (on the rocks with a twist of lemon). He was a lifelong fan of the Yankees, Rangers, and Giants (often shouting vociferously at the TV when the game wasn’t going his team’s way) and was known to have some success in picking horse races. His favorite day of the year was the annual Manhattan Pub Crawl taking place the Tuesday before Thanksgiving every year since 2003 always kicking off at PJ Clarke’s on 55th and 3rd – hence to be renamed the Rich Papeika Memorial Pub Crawl.
Though his immediate family was small, Rich was a doting family man. To his wife, Karen, he was a provider and a rock, and though they could be a pain-in-the-you-know-what to each other, he never failed to give her anything she needed or wanted. To his son, Greg, he was not only a dad but much like a big brother as well. Greg and Rich were golfing partners, drinking buddies, and travel companions. Rich gave his son the world, having put him through years of school and allowed him to have a life that Rich could never have. Rich dearly loved his daughter-in-law Brenda, his eyes lighting up whenever she was around. To his friend Joe, he was the best friend a guy could ever have, and never have again.
Rich was a true gentleman, and though he was often quiet, he had a warm way about him that left people charmed and comforted. He was larger than life in a very subtle way and had a quick wit that made everyone laugh. He was generous to all and never hesitated to help out those in need and always made certain that he was the one to pick up the check after dinner. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, including all the people he worked with at Ulbrich throughout the years, as well as bartenders around the country and the world.
Per Rich’s request, there will be no visitation or formal services. Though everyone will surely miss him dearly, Rich wasn’t one to want people crying over his loss. So, in true Rich Papeika fashion, he requested that his family and friends gather for a “celebration of life” send-off party with plenty of great food and drinks on him. That send-off will happen sometime during this upcoming spring.
Rich’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Smilow Cancer Hospital for their compassionate care throughout the last year. They provided him comfort and care that was unmatched in his last days. For those so inclined, donations may be made in Rich’s memory to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of one’s choice.
RIP my friend….
Dear Karen, Richard
will be sadly missed by Nancy and I .also all his family and friends ..with deepest sympathy/ Ed .and Nancy Simonelli
We fell short of having more happy times with you and your family. We are very sad that you left so soon.
I wish nothing more than peace and strength for all family, friends, and loved ones my deepest condolences. I wish I would have gotten to know him better it really would’ve been fun time.
I am so sorry for Richard’s passing. There are no words for the legacy Richard has left on his family. and friends. His shining personality will live on in our hearts. I am grateful I had the chance to know him and be part of the family I have a lot of good memories ❤️
The few encounters we had were nothing short of pleasant. Your great character and love for family will surely carry on in those left behind. We will miss you and will celebrate your rich life with memories for time to come.
To rich’s family my sincere condolences. I remember Rich from HHS. RIP sir
Rich was a mentor and a friend. He always had solid advice and was willing to listen. I’ll miss our business trips and discussions at the bar while we were on the road. He always made a point to ask how my daughters were doing and would say “Tell them Mr. Papeika says hi”. Prayers to Karen and the family. We’ll certainly be lifting a glass to you at the CFM in May. RIP my friend.
Keep the good memories alive and celebrate his life.
Dear Karen and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of Richie. We had some great times together and he will be missed !
Dear Karen, Gregory, Debbie, Michael, and Jim;
I was saddened to hear about the passing of your husband and brother. I will always remember his laughter and smile at the Papeika family gatherings at Grandpa’s house on Grafton Rd. in Hamden. May his memory be a blessing to all of you and may we all meet again somewhere in a much happier place.
With great sympathy,
Joe (and Trish) Papeika
My deepest condolences
He was a kind man
Karen from Rainbow Cleaners
I had the genuine pleasure of working with Rich for 30 years at Ulbrich. Always professional, with a great sense of humor. The one, and only individual, who after asking that a luncheon be arranged, would always end the request with a gracious “and please, get something for yourself”. In his eyes, it was the people who were around him that were the most important, which endeared him to all of us.
Richard was the ultimate nice guy. We will miss him and condolences to Karen, Greg, Brenda and Debbie.
Lynne and Donald Langella
To Cousins, Debbie, Michael and Jimmy and families.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers and blessing to you.