Richard Sullo

Our family mourns the passing of Dick Sullo, cherished husband of Ruth Decko Sullo, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend; we also celebrate Dick’s life and memory, which we forever carry in our hearts.

Dick passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in his home.

Born on July 29, 1939, to first-generation Americans, Louis and Helen (Wiszuk) Sullo, Dick spent his youngest years on the Lower East Side at the crossroads of 7th Street and Avenue A. Dick walked from his fourth-floor tenement to P.S.122 every day, before moving to East Meadow, Long Island, and attending Hempstead High School. Always a good student, especially in math and science, Dick started high school one year earlier than his peers and went on to graduate from the University of Dayton in June of 1960, with a degree in mechanical engineering. While Dick’s engineering mind focused his professional career, he earned and maintained Professional Engineer licensure in 3 states, Dick’s heart centered the life he led. A family-minded man, Dick raised his sons and found a special joy in watching his grandchildren grow. He gave his love, time, and energy to his family. A community-minded man, Dick spent nearly ten years with the Cheshire Jaycees and went on to dedicate over two decades of service work with Connecticut Thresholds, teaching classes about decision making to incarcerated men in Cheshire. His work with Thresholds included several years as the president of the Connecticut association. A values-minded man, Dick lived the values he held dear, especially that of living joyfully. Dick’s hobbies included flying airplanes, boating, skiing weekends in Vermont with family and friends, dancing with Ruthie, traveling, especially with his grandchildren, and keeping his keen sense of history sharp. From skydiving when he turned 80 to turning his attention towards loving his great-grandchildren, Dick embraced the joyful moments of life until the very end.

Dick is survived by his wife, Ruthie; his sons, David Sullo (partner, Stacy Grisinger), Michael (Sarah) Sullo, and Sean (Melinda) O’Hara; his grandchildren, Kevin (Anastasia), Mia, Jack, Sean Patrick, Rae, Violet, and Teal; his great-grandchildren, Frey, Quinn, and Juniper; his sisters, Louise (John) Bolger and Joan (Vincent) Munro; and special friends Maureen Sullo and Karen Sullo. He is predeceased by his precious grandchildren Kimberly Sullo and Matthew Sullo.

In Italian, Sullo translates to a preposition, which feels quite fitting: prepositions set up phrases for success in a sentence, and Dick not only bequeathed his name to his family, but through his actions, he also set his friends and family up for success, leaving behind a legacy of appreciating the intellect, knowing the value of hard work, recognizing the importance of community service, finding joy in life’s moments, and understanding the importance of family.

Services for Dick Sullo will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at New Life Church, 350 High Hill Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492, with visiting hours from 4:00 - 6:00 pm and a 6:00 pm Homegoing Celebration followed by supper at the church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ForeSullo Foundation, founded and named in honor of Matt, Dick’s grandson, who died suddenly on August 9, 2024. Donations may be made online or by mail, ForeSullo Foundation, 164 Timber Trail, Wethersfield, CT 06109. Dick will be cremated, and his ashes will later be spread where Ruth and Dick fell deeply in love.