News of the passing of my old friend and neighbor Richard, for whom I had the utmost regard, came as a shock. Words are inadequate to express my deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the Gottmeier family in your great loss. I join with you and his other friends in mourning Richard, this good man taken too soon. He was a true Catholic gentleman, one who knew the secrets of a rich, fulfilling life, and so many beautiful traits made up his character. A man for others, Richard was always ready to help, whether it was working on my son Jack’s Eagle Scout project at Cullens Memorial, or splitting wood for me around my own homestead. He was a great conversationalist, and we also enjoyed riding our bicycles over in Southbury on many weekends, especially on this beautiful stretch of country road we nicknamed Bluebird Hill. May the same unswerving faith in his Lord and savior that Richard displayed throughout his life, the Father of mercies, bring you some measure of comfort and consolation in this time of great sorrow. When I became a Superior Court Judge in 2004, Richard and Holly came over that evening to extend their congratulations with a wonderful impromptu celebration. People call me ‘Your Honor,’ but in this good man’s unfailing sense of duty, and his loyal, self-sacrificing service to God, family, friend and country, everything you need to know of Honor, you could learn from Richard Peter Gottmeier. May he rest in peace.