Richard Peter Gottmeier, died on Wednesday, February 5, 2015 at his residence in Sandy Hook. Richard was born September 21, 1949 in Youngstown, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents Walentyna (Schossler) Gottmeier and Richard Charles Gottmeier and granddaughter Caroline Myers. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Holly Ann (Chapman) Gottmeier and four children William C. Gottmeier, Peter C. Gottmeier, Melissa (Gottmeier) Sorrentino, Sarah (Gottmeier) Myers, Rachel Gottmeier and ten grandchildren. Richard and his wife Holly also opened their home to foster children for the State of Connecticut, providing shelter and love to over 50 foster children. He graduated from Liberty High School in Youngstown Ohio in 1967 and Ohio University in 1971 with a degree in Marketing with a minor in History and attained a Graduate degree through the US Army Command and General Staff College. Richard had a professional career in the office furniture industry, progressing through positions of salesman, general manager, territory and regional manager. Richard retired from the Office Furniture industry in 2014. After retiring from the office furniture industry Richard worked part time as a substitute teacher in which he enjoyed making a positive impact in young people’s lives. He served in the Army Reserves from 1972 to 1999 obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Gottmeier was a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also served in various positions in the Medical Service Corps throughout this career. He finished his duty in the Army Reserves as a recruiter for the United States Military Academy at West Point, interviewing perspective cadets and their parents. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, history, good food, cooking, old cars and maintaining his house. Richard will be laid to rest in Saint Rose Cemetery in Sandy Hook in the spring. Calling hours for Richard will be Tuesday February 10th from 4 to 8pm at the Honan Funeral Home, Newtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday February 11th at 10:30am in St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown. Instead of flowers the family requests a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Heart Association through their websites.

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