Peter R Richardson

Peter Raymond Richardson, 55, of Torrington CT, died Wednesday, March 26^th, 2014 at Hartford Hospital.

Pete dedicated his life to helping those in need and spreading love and compassion to those around him. From an
early age he was fueled by his deep belief in God. He displayed his faith through both his words and his actions, and
in turn encouraged others to do the same.

Born in Goshen in 1958, the son of Raymond and Anna (Safko) Richardson, he graduated from Wamogo and
attended and graduated from St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT. In 1979 he left Connecticut to attend the
University of Dayton in Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of General Studies, and he then attended the Washington
Theological Union in Washington D.C. where he earned a Master of Arts in Divinity. He was ordained in 1986 and
returned to St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Goshen to celebrate his first Mass.

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During his time at school and following his graduation he worked in ministry churches in Mississippi, Alabama,
Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Tennessee. He was a member of the Glenmary Home Missioners for
over twenty-six years, during which he was committed to ministry in the rural areas of the deep South and
Appalachia to help establish the Catholic church and its outreach programs. Pete was also the editor of Glenmary's
Magazine, "The Challenge" for four years.

He was a priest for eight years in Mississippi, where along with his duties as a pastor to a three county parish, he
organized a food program for those in need. He attended a language program in Cuernavaca, Mexico to study
Spanish and the Mexican culture. Upon his return to Aberdeen, he began offering mass in Spanish.

Pete then was called to Kentucky, where he stayed for nearly a decade. He was a pastor in a three county parish
where he ministered and coordinated outreach programs for the poor, disabled, elderly and undereducated citizens of
the community. He provided pastoral care for inmates at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex.

Pete then attended a Sabbatical program in Vatican City, during which he had an audience with Pope John Paul II.
Following his time abroad, he returned to manage and develop programs for the Glenmary Home Missioners in
Tennessee and Ohio.

After retiring from the church, Pete returned to Northwest Connecticut to be close to his family and to help care for
his beloved mother. He became a Supervisor at the North American Family Institute in Litchfield, an organization
dedicated to the support and guidance of at-risk adolescent females.

Most recently, Pete was the Director of Residential Services for The Workman Apartments. Pete often would host
special events for the residents, including thematic parties and meals he prepared himself.

Pete was predeceased by his father, Raymond and his mother, Anna. He is survived by his brother Arthur
Richardson and wife Joanne, his sister Kathy Burgess and husband Ken, sister Nancy Woznicki and husband Ted,
and sister Judy Ducci and husband Richard, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends that will miss him dearly.

Pete was known as an avid fisherman, gourmet chef, and for his larger-than-life personality. He will be remembered
for his fun-loving spirit and good humor. He will be deeply missed by the many that were lucky enough to know
him.

Calling Hours will be on Monday, March 31 st 2014 at Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Ave. in Torrington.
Calling Hours will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 1 st at
10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 71 North Street in Goshen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions
can be made to The Workman Apartments at 244 Forest Street, Torrington, CT 06790. To leave condolences or
make memorial contributions online, please visit www.phalenfuneral.com.