Richard Charles Lightle, 69, of Ledyard, died Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
He was born in Sacramento, Calif., on March 10, 1944, the son of Alvin J. Lightle and Betty (Blair) Fitch. He was united in marriage to Linda Belli on Sept. 6, 1969 in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1982. He received his bachelor of science degree from the University of New Haven in 1989, graduating cum laude. He worked as an engineer at Electric Boat in Groton, retiring in 2006.
Rick was active in his town government, serving on the Ledyard Town Council from 1992 to 1998 as a Republican. He had a passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors and was president of the Mystic Rod and Gun Club. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy, and traveled overseas on multiple submarine tours. He served on the submarines USS Cubera, USS Grant, USS Grampus, USS Seahorse and USS Barb. He maintained relationships with former shipmates and was a member of Sub Vets of Groton.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his daughter, Laura Lightle of Ledyard; and his son, John and his wife, Emily, of West Suffield; as well as his grandchildren, Nicholas and Ava Starasinic and Madeline and Katherine Lightle. He is also survived by his two brothers, Donald and Gary Fitch, both of California.
Rick treasured the time he spent with his family as a husband, father, and grandfather. He looked forward to his family’s yearly trip to Cape Cod, where he enjoyed following his grandkids into the water to search for sea creatures, always with a camera around his neck. He taught his grandkids to fish, and told stories about working on his uncle’s ranch in Alturas, Calif. He frequented soccer games, boy-scout retreats, and school concerts with a proud smile and his camera. He cherished his wife and after 44 years of marriage still referred to her as “Honey.” He was frequently called upon to help others, and he did so selflessly. He was a strong and quiet presence, showing up whenever needed, and served as the foundation for his family. He will be deeply missed.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic. Family and friends are asked to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry. Burial will be private.
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