Richard Vincent Bortolot, Sr.

Richard Vincent Bortolot, Sr., age 94, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at Norwalk Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Fall River, MA on May 8, 1920 to the late Raymond and Jean Bortolot, he was a lifelong resident of Norwalk ever since the age of five when his family relocated here.  

For over 70 years, Richard was the loving and devoted husband of Victoria Pinto Bortolot, his high school sweetheart. They have been together as a couple for over 76 years. An alumnus of Norwalk High School Class of 1939, Richard was an outstanding athlete where he excelled in many sports, particularly in basketball as a top performer on the varsity team.  

Richard retired from the Nash Engineering Company in 1985 after a fulfilling 43 year career there, where he had many lifelong friendships that lasted well into his retirement. He remained active throughout his retirement as Treasurer of the Southport Square Dance Club where he taught square, round, and ballroom dancing. Richard also worked for many years as an election day moderator, and received special recognition from the Secretary of the State and the CT State Legislature for his efforts.

He is survived by his children Carole Sementini of Redding, Richard V. Bortolot, Jr. of Westport, Victoria J. Bortolot of Bethel, Raymond Bortolot of Redding, and Jeffrey Bortolot of Norwalk; eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Gary W. Bortolot, two brothers Victor and Roland Bortolot, and a sister Jane Bussing.

He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council #46 and was a founding charter member of the Oak Hills Park Authority. He served as a volunteer fireman at the East Norwalk fire station for many years, and was Fire Chief for the Nash Engineering Fire Department.

Richard will always be remembered for his sense of humor and practical jokes, but mostly for his unselfish devotion and love for his wife and children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, February 7 at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Road in Norwalk. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery on Richards Avenue.  There are no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Richard's name may be made to St. Jerome Church. 

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