Richard D. Peoples

Richard D. Peoples, beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather passed away at home on Friday, September 3rd, after 86 full years of life.   He was born on May 23, 1935, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Paul F. and Dorothy (Lamkins) Peoples.

His loss will be felt deeply and memory cherished by his devoted wife Maureen, of 62 years, his son Sean M. Peoples (Cathy) of Glastonbury, his daughter Ellen M. Peoples (Donald Medeiros) of Little Compton, Rhode Island , his daughter Moira L. Ennen  (Dan) of Springfield, Vermont, his son Richard A. Peoples (Chikako) of Moodus, Connecticut, his son Kyle F. Peoples (Kristin)of Springfield, Vermont, and his daughter Molly-Kate Hall (Iain) of East Hampton, Connecticut.

 Richard’s great joy was experiencing the love and camaraderie that existed between him and his 13 grandchildren. He will always be known affectionately as “Poppy” to Emily, Matthew, and Mark Peoples, Abby and Izzy Medeiros, Olivia Ennen, Sachi and Tysho Peoples, Kyra and Kaelie Peoples and Mairan, Euan and Cailan Hall. 

 Richard was the third of six children.  He leaves his beloved siblings, Barbara Papa, Paul Peoples, Lois Daly, Susan Hallowell, and William Peoples a lifetime of memories, of laughter and heartfelt support. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

 Growing up in the South End of Hartford, Richard realized the value of an education. In 1953, he graduated from Bulkeley High School.  While Maureen worked as a nurse, Richard worked as a machinist at Pratt and Whitney while attending Central Connecticut State University and graduating in 1962. He earned his first Master’s degree at the University of Bridgeport and went on to earn two additional graduate degrees, all related to education for which he was very proud. Richard’s legacy will be a love of family, learning and an appreciation for the value of education.

 Richard began his career teaching at Bunnell High School in Stratford, CT, before becoming a guidance counselor at Hartford Public High School.  He worked at Hartford High for 29 years with many fond memories, good natured jokes, teaching, advising and friendships.  Following his retirement, Richard remained an educator in the Hartford Adult Ed program.  He was committed to helping young students find their way and enjoyed knowing how he was able to help so many he encountered.

 Richard had a life-long passion for golf, the New England Patriots, the Boston Red Sox and UCONN Women’s basketball. He always looked forward to his weekly coffee with friends on Friday mornings.  In the classroom, on the golf course, at the Cape, or in his favorite recliner, Richard’s lively wit kept the jokes flowing and his friends and family entertained. Richard and Maureen enjoyed summers at the Cape where many wonderful and cherished memories were made with their family and friends.

 There will be no calling hours and burial will be private.  The family will host a celebration of life later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in Richard Peoples’ name, to Hartford Promise, a college scholarship program for Hartford public high school students. You may make a donation here: https://www.hartfordpromise.org/donate.html or by sending a check to Hartford Promise, 70 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103. To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

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