Richard John DeMuria, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Gales Ferry, on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2015.He was born on Aug. 19, 1950, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Mary (Federico) DeMuria and Pasquale DeMuria, both of whom predeceased him.
He was very proud to have obtained a bachelor's degree in English from Eastern Connecticut State College. He had many jobs in his life and most recently enjoyed painting with a good friend.
Rick loved life and lived it on his own terms and in a very colorful and adventurous way. He told humorous and wonderful stories and always kept people entertained. He loved baseball and was a fierce New York Yankees fan. He also read the New York Times from cover to cover every day.
He loved Bob Dylan, the Kinks, the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and most music from the 60s and 70s, playing it often and loud, often quoting phrases from cherished songs, all throughout his life.
Rick loved partaking of well prepared food and good cognac and whiskey with his good friends.
He loved South America, Peru in particular, and had wonderful memories of his trips there and to Bogotá, Colombia. He was planning a trip to Guatemala at the time of his passing.
Rick enjoyed reading long, complicated books on American and world history, often buying them at his beloved Book Barn in Niantic. He had a great deal of knowledge and respect for Winston Churchill and often quoted him.
He made an impression on all who met him, and his knowledge of politics and history often left people in awe. His interesting perceptions frequently left people thinking more thoroughly about the subject matter.Rick was extremely intelligent and equally as generous and kind, helping people whenever he could. He was one of a kind and can never be replaced.
Richard is sadly missed and survived by his siblings, Patricia Schleipman (Peter) of Cutchogue, N.Y., Michael DeMuria (Susan) of West Plains, Mo., Donna Bagg (Lloyd) of Ledyard, Kathryn Strout (Peter) of Gales Ferry, and Deborah DeMuria (Kevin) of Southborough, Mass.; and his niece and eight nephews, Elise and Grant Farrington, Michael, Andrew and Samuel DeMuria, Dayton, Dylan and Wyatt Bagg, and Patrick Strout. Richard is also sadly missed by his many good friends, especially T.J. and Michael Patsiga and his wife, Jean.
A gathering celebrating Rick's life will be held at a later date to be announced.
Donations in Richard's name may be made to the Book Barn in Niantic, where he loved to find and read countless interesting books.
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Richard John "Rick" DeMuria, 65, died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on Nov. 23, 2015. Rick was a longtime resident of southeastern Connecticut, who recently returned home to Gales Ferry.
He was born Aug. 19, 1950, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Pasquale and Mary (Federico) DeMuria. At the age of nine, Rick's family moved to Gales Ferry, and he remained in southeastern Connecticut for the rest of his life. He was educated in Connecticut where in 1974 he graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in English from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Beloved for his keen mind and independent spirit, Rick was a self-proclaimed political historian, bibliophile, and student of the universe. He prolifically read books of history, politics, and the classics alike. He often explained his quest for knowledge by John Keats' Ode on a Grecian Urn: "Beauty is truth, truth beauty, -that is all/Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."
Rick will be remembered as an avid lover of baseball and lifelong Yankees fan.He had a long and happy career as a painter; his incredible mastery of the craft is enjoyed by all who admire such places as the New London County Courthouse and other historic landmarks around New London and Middlesex counties.
His greatest times were spent in nature, enjoying the local geology and wildlife. A self-described minimalist, Rick often said he lived like a 'Boy Scout', giving to those less fortunate and equally to those with more.Having never had children, he adored his nephew and niece, Grant and Elise Farrington of Southborough, Mass., who will sadly miss their "Uncle Ricci". He leaves behind his niece, seven nephews; beloved aunt, Margaret Russo of New York; and five siblings, Debbie DeMuria of Massachusetts, Kathy Strout and Donna Bagg, both of Ledyard, Michael DeMuria of Missouri, and Patricia Schleipman of New York.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held in the spring at his home at 6 Bluff Road, Gales Ferry.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local food pantry.
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