Richard F. Thurston, 79, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Yale-New Haven Hospital with his family by his side. He was the loving companion and best friend of Beverly DeLucia Arsenault. Richard was born in Middletown, New York on February 7, 1940 and was the son of the late Franklin and Muriel Brust Thurston. He served his country faithfully in the US Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. Richard had worked for Brockway-Smith Company and later as a contractor for FedEx. He enjoyed bowling and gardening, was active with the Boy Scouts of America and was a New York Yankees fan. Father of Nike Thurston, Richard Thurston, Jr. (Erin Fuery), Jaime Arsenault and Christopher Arsenault (Christina). Grandfather of Kelsey, Jacob and Katie Thurston, Michael Brodie, Kayla and David Arsenault. Predeceased by his sisters Lynn Kuhn and Sandy Thurston.
Funeral services will be conducted in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning at 11:00. Family and friends may call from 9:00 until time of service. Interment with full military honors will follow in the North Haven Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, or the Semper Fi Fund or the American Diabetes Association. www.obituaries.northhavenfuneral.com
So sorry for your loss. May you all come peace in sharing of the memories you have of him. Many thoughts and prayers sent to you all.
We are all so saddened by this news.
We knew Dick struggled, health wise, for many years and hope he’s found his peace and comfort.
Dick gave Ron the best advise ever in 1969. Told him to join the air force and avoid the draft. That smart, simple, sound, loving advice led Ron down a path of success as an air traffic controller in the Air Force and in civilian life providing us a very secure, comfortable, and confident life. We will always be grateful and DICK will always be a part of our history.
We are all so saddened by this news.
We knew Dick struggled health wise for many years, hope he has found his peace and comfort.
Dick gave Ron the best advise ever in 1969. Told him to join the air force and avoid the draft. That smart, simple, sound, loving advice led Ron down a path of success as an air traffic controller in the Air Force and in civilian life providing us a very secure, comfortable, confident life. We will always be grateful and DICK will always be a part of our history.
Much love and respect. Cousin Ron and Amy Brust
Nike and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time. Hold onto all of your happy memories. It’s what carried me through the loss of my mom. Hugs!
Beverly and family, so sorry for your loss. Dick was a revered friend/classmate and will be sorely missed by all of us. He always had a smile, compliment, and was very special to all of us. Please be strong. I lost my husband/dear friend last year and I can’t begin to tell you how special my family, friends and neighbors have been since then and will always be. Lots of hugs, etc., Barbara
Dick Thurston was a guy to be with people he wanted to be with his peoples.
Farewell, dear friend of my youth. You were loved by many.
Dick was a Rahway High School classmate and a good football player. Very nice gentleman. He attended Rahway HS Reunions. Dick & I served in Vietnam during the same time period, although we never crossed paths there. We talked at Reunions about serving there. Sorry he was suffering from poor health prior to his passing. Condolences to all his family.
We are so saddened at the loss of our good friend ,Neut. (Dick’s nick name). He and Kenny played football together in Rahway High School and was in contact throughout the years. Dick was in our graduating class.
He will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to the family.
RIP dear Richard. My high school friend who was a gentle giant.
So kind to all. He walked past my house every day to school. So very sorry fir your loss.
Richard, your dad, husband, brother was, and still is our friend. He was a close friend. Dick and his family were always there for discussions, conversations offering up words of wisdom and genuine care. Dick was my friend. Always. He, the family Thurston played a major role in my life. Mr. Thurston through his guidance and council, Mrs. Thurston through her friendship and the girls with their great, good nature. My heart felt prayers go out to you and Dick has moved on to a better place. Which he deserves. To Dick I say thank you my friend. I am a better person from having known the Thurston family, and you Dick. Hope to see you on the other side my friend. Hey, buddy let’s throw the pig-skin around a bit. Let’s do it…
He, the Thurston family are as solid as a rock, Good people. Your dad, husband. brother -son was my friend. My buddy. A Pethfinder.
To Dick I say, hey pal lets throw the pig-skin around a bit. See you on the other side Dick, my friend.
Although haven’t seen Dick since the last reunion I attended I did follow him on FB. Dick loved his family and country. Rest in peace.
Richard taught me years ago that you never know what tomorrow brings. If there’s something you’d really like to have, treat yourself. A lesson well learned. Goodbye and God speed Mr. Thurston.
Rest in peace old friend.
Such an ebullient and supportive guy– a beautiful legacy—