Contributions to the tribute of Richard Zekala

B

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Everyone thinks their brother is special, but I know that mine was. He was responsible, courageous, generous, helpful, curious supportive and adventuresome. He was everything one would want in a big brother. When he was 8 and I was 5, the water heater exploded in the kitchen. The iron stove cracked and the skillet vanished never to be seen again. The perpetual coffee pot spilled grounds on the floor. Through this debris, Richie took my hand and led me out to safety. His curiosity was spurred by the movie, DESTINATION MOON. An empty refrigerator box from a local store was carried home by us to become our rocket ship to the moon. My mother died when we were 15 and 18. Running the household was shared by the three of us. My father supported the family, I took care of the housework, and Richie became the best shopper. He even squeezed in time to help with the vacuuming. The 103rd Air National Guard was called up for the Berlin Crisis. The Guard was stationed in Germany for one year. There was no fanfare at their departure or return. They were expected to do their duty. He was proud to do his service. Richie was a senior at the University of Bridgeport when he was called. When he returned a year later, he continued at UB. He did his student teaching at Warren Harding High School with two front teeth extracted due to an abscess. This took courage. One of the best additions to our household was the addition of Jane who he believed looked like Audrey Hephern. Now my father and I had a new part of Connecticut to explore as they moved to the western part of the state. For my eighteenth birthday, he gave me the gift of a day at Belmont Park. I had fallen in love with horses and watched horse racing every Saturday. One of the fondest memories of a good day shared. Richie was a collector and lover of experiences lived. Opera and classical music were part of him. He loved his model trains and model train shows. He spent hours with his stamps and stamp books. Finding a train exhibit or a post office in a foreign country was an objective and an adventure. Reading and books were part of his life. Mama introduced us to the library and books when we were young thus giving us the gift of reading. Reading history, visiting museums, historical sites, and libraries were part of his make-up. There are times which are hard to explain. After our dog, Ginger Ale, died, I decided to drive to Richie's house. Passing Beardsley Park, I stopped at the waterfall where our family often stopped to picnic. Within a few minutes, Richie drove up and stopped there too. It wasn't pre-planned. It was just something we both had to do. Over the years my dogs and Jane's cats have expanded our family. One of my favorite pictures is of my dog, Sidney, rough-housing with Richie. Prince, Jane's cat, who was really a dog in a cat costume, followed Richie wherever he went. Prince would know when he was coming home and wait for him at the top of the stairs. I am sure when Richie crossed the Rainbow Bridge, he found Prince waiting for him. Welcoming him home were Mama, Tata, our dogs and cats, and the horses we admired. I miss discussing books with you. I miss that you will not be adding to the cribbage game list. I still do not know how you could win almost all of the cribbage games. I miss sharing adventures. I love you, Richie. Barbara, Your Sister

B

Barbara Zekala lit a candle

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Everyone thinks their brother is special, but I know that mine was. He was responsible, courageous, generous, helpful, curious, supportive and adventuresome. He was everything one would want in a big brother. When he was 8 and I was 5, the water heater exploded in the kitchen. The iron stove cracked and the skillet vanished never to be His curiosity was spurred by the movie, seen again. The perpetual coffee pot spilled grounds on the floor. Through this debris, Richie took my hand and led me to safety. His curiosity was spurred by the movie, DESTINATION MOON. An empty refrigerator box from a local store was carried home by us to become our rocket ship to the moon. My mother died when we were 15 and 18. Running the household was shared by the three of us. My father supported the family, I took care of the housework, and Richie became the best shopper. He even squeezed in time to help with the vacuuming. The 103rd Air National Guard was called up for the Berlin Crisis. They were stationed in Germany for one year. There was no fanfare at their departure or return. They were expected to do their duty. He was proud to serve. Richie was a senior at the University of Bridgeport when he was called. When he returned a year later, he continued at UB. He did his student teaching at Warren Harding High School with two front teeth which were extracted due to an abscess. This took courage. One of the best additions to our household was the addition of Jane who believed looked like Aubrey Hephern. My father and I had a new part of Connecticut to explore now as they moved to the western part of the state. For my eighteenth birthday, he gave me the gift of day at Belmont Park. I had fallen in love with horses and watched horse racing every Saturday. One of the fondest memories of a good day shared. Richie was a collector and lover of experiences lived. Opera and classical music were part of him. He loved his model trains and model train shows. He spent hours with his stamps. Finding a train exhibit or a post office in a foreign country was an objective and adventure. Reading and books were part of his life. Mama introduced us to the library and books when were young thus giving us the gift of reading. Reading history, visiting museums, historical sites, and libraries were part of his make-up. There are times which are hard to explain. After our dog, Ginger Ale, died, I decided to drive to Richie's house. Passing Beardsley Park, I stopped at the waterfall where our family often stopped to picnic. Within a few minutes, Richie drove up and stopped there too. It wasn't pre-planned. It was just something we both had to do. Over the years my dogs and Jane's cats have expanded our family. One of my fondest pictures is of my dog, Sidney, rough-housing with him. Prince, Jane's cat who was really a dog in a cat costume, followed Richie wherever he went. Prince would know when he was coming home and wait for him at the top of the stairs. I am sure when Richie crossed the Rainbow Bridge, he found Prince waiting for him. Welcoming him home were Mama, Tata, our dogs and cats, and the horses we admired. I miss discussing books with you. I miss you will not be adding to the cribbage game list. I still do not know how you could win almost all the cribbage games. I miss sharing adventures. I love you, Richie. Barbara, Your Sister

H

Helen Jane Zekala lit a candle

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

I held your hand.... In the good times In the sad times Each night as we went to sleep As you comfortably slipped away in to God's hands I await the time when we reunite and hold hands once again Your loving wife Jane

V

Virginia Dayharsh posted a condolence

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Dear Mrs. Zekala, I was saddened to read of Richard's passing, and his difficult past year. Richard taught across the hall from me at Naugatuck High School. He was a wonderful teacher, and well respected. My sympathy and prayers are with you.

A

Andrea and Lee Falk lit a candle

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Dear Jane Sending you loving wishes of peace and comfort. You did everything and made his way the easiest it could be. Now take good care of yourself. Love Andrea and Lee

Richard Zekala

1937 - 2019

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