Obituary of Richard G. Pine

MONROE, CONN Richard G. Pine, 73, beloved husband of Janet Pine of Monroe, passed away unexpectedly on February 3, 2023. Born on September 20, 1949, in Queens, NY, he was the son of the late Samuel and Gladys Pine. After his family left Queens, Richard (Rick) graduated from Island Trees High School, on Long Island, NY. After high school, he went off to study at Farmingdale State College. He then enlisted in the US Navy, and was stationed aboard Missile Destroyer USS Barry during the Vietnam War. After returning, Richard worked at Southern New England Telephone (SNET) as an engineer for several years, while continuing to further his education at Norwalk Community College, and Sacred Heart University. After retiring from SNET, Richard had several contract jobs, before he re-entered the workforce full-time taking an engineering role at United Illuminating, where he was employed at the time of his passing. When he wasn’t working, Rick found time to enjoy some of his favorite hobbies. He loved his cars, Ford Mustangs in particular, and motorcycles. In addition to mechanical horsepower, Rick also had a passion for real horses, he owned several while in Monroe. He and his wife also loved to travel. They would often fly off to the Caribbean and find a nice sunny spot with a beach & a pool. His favorite activity, however, was spending time with his children and grandchildren. While some lived far away, he always looked forward to video chatting with them, and visiting as often as possible. Richard will be remembered as a kind and funny man. Through his quick wit and infectious smile, he loved to tease and make jokes. He could always make you laugh. In addition to his wife of almost 35 years, Richard is survived by his children: daughter, Heather (David) Minore, of Cape Coral, FL, son, Eric Pine, of Stratford, CT, and daughter Justine (Jacob) Nienow, of Gibsonville, NC, and grandchildren, Aaron, Kyle, Awtumn, Benjamin, and Addison, and a fur-grandchild, McKenna. Richard is also survived by his three brothers: Robert, of Concord, CA, Ronald (Linda) of Fairfield, CT, and Steven (Alice) of Malakoff, TX. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Margaret (Ralph) Marcuccilli of Westport, CT, and several nieces & a nephew. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 7, at 11:00 AM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street, Westport, CT.