Richard James Josephs

Richard James Josephs

Long-Time Waterbury Educator, Teacher, Principal of Sacred Heart High School, and Saint Joseph School dies at age 83 after a long illness.

Richard James Josephs of Haddam Neck, CT, formerly of Waterbury, CT, son of the late Joseph and Julia Josephs, was born in Bristol, CT and later moved to Oakville, CT where he attended South Street School, Sacred Heart High School, the University of Connecticut, and Fairfield University where he received his sixth year in administration. He retired from Sacred Heart High School in 1990 and Saint Joseph School in 1993.

He was the husband of his beloved wife, Margaret Mark-Anthony of 56 years. He was also the father of two beautiful and loving daughters, Kara (Terence) Sullivan and Kristen (Michael) Powers to whom he was so devoted. He was the grandfather of nine grandchildren; Korynne Sullivan, Shaylyn Sullivan, McKenzie Sullivan, and John (Jack) Sullivan; and Kaden Powers, Tiernan Powers, Callen, Seth, and Evan Powers. He enjoyed attending all his grandchildren’s athletic, academic, artistic, and musical endeavors; he would be the first to tell you how great each one was.

Richard was a member of the Aldermanic Board under the late Mayor of Waterbury Edward Michael Bergin Jr., and a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. For the numbers who responded to his passing there was a common theme.

“He was a true gentleman who embodied kindness, humility, and spirituality. He always recognized the good in others and was never judgmental.  Many, many students said he was an ICON at Sacred Heart High School and beloved by the entire faculty, student body, and staff. “Mr. Joe was the fabric of all the Heart Family Values”. In closing, “that man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children, who leaves the world better than he found it. Mr. Joe was truly that man”. May he rest in peace.

Richard’s family would like to thank Father Gilbert, Father Galvin, Sister Dominic Valla, and all of the friends that they made at St. Patrick Church in East Hampton, as well as the wonderful staff at Cobalt Lodge and Beacon Hospice, especially Darlene and Chelsea for their compassionate care and support during this most difficult time. Memorial contributions in Richard’s name can be made to Sacred Heart High School 142 South Elm St. Waterbury, CT 06706 or EWTN Catholic Networks Old Lees Rd Ironsdale, AL 35210 or St. Patrick Church 47 West High St. East Hampton, CT 06424. Because of the COVID 19 Pandemic a Memorial Mass will take place at a later date.

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