Obituary: Richard J. Chandler, 95, of Milford

MILFORD, CT - (From Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home) Richard J. Chandler, 95, of Milford, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2022 at Orange Healthcare. “Dick”, as he was affectionately known, was born on May 29, 1927 in Perth Amboy, NJ to John and Altha (Osgood) Chandler.

A lifelong Milford resident, he joined the US Navy at young age and was stationed in the Pacific during WWII. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Lorraine (Dellmuth) Chandler.

An accomplished tool and die maker, he worked for several companies before co-founding his own company, Gibson Tool and Die, in 1963. He was a charter member of the Milford Riders and enjoyed racing his motorcycle around the Northeast.

Sailing was also a passion, and he was a member of both the Windjammers Sailing Club and the Fayerweather Yacht Club. An instructor for the U.S. Power Squadron, he taught courses in boating and navigation.

Upon his retirement, he volunteered at Milford Hospital for over 20 years where he also served as treasurer of the Auxiliary.

He continued his love of sailing by joining the Housatonic Model Yacht Club. Dick had a talent for gardening and supplied fruits and vegetables to many despite an ongoing battle with squirrels and chipmunks!

He was an avid NY Yankees fan, as well as an enthusiastic follower of UConn Women’s basketball. He leaves his son, Richard Chandler, Jr. (Cindy) of Orange, daughter-in-law, Lynn Chandler of Hampton, VA, brother George Chandler of Jamestown, NC, sisters Marion Stiewing and Barbara Morrison, both of Milford, granddaughter Susan (Richard) Baldino of North Haven, great granddaughters Saydee and Sienna Baldino, longtime companion Alice Fredericks of East Haven and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine, and son, William. Family and friends may call on Thursday, June 30th, 2022 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. with at Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 BRIDGEPORT AVENUE, MILFORD.

Interment will be at King’s Highway Cemetery, Milford with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.