Richard Rogers Calkins, 90, formerly of Paxton, MA passed away peacefully on May 6, 2022. Richard or Dick for short, was married for 62 years to the late Anne Littlefield Peck Calkins who passed in 2015. Richard was born in New Haven, CT, on August 23, 1931 to the late Emory and Alberta Rogers Calkins. He was also predeceased by his five brothers, John (Jack), Emory Jr., Thomas, William and David. Richard was raised in Niantic, CT and in his earlier years was an athlete participating in baseball, football and basketball at The Bulkeley School in New London, CT. He attended the University of Connecticut on a baseball scholarship and was drafted by the then New York Giants baseball team. He served his country during the Korean War in the National Guard and Army for two years before starting his career in marketing with Suburban Propane, Hardwick Stove Co. and Home Gas Corp.
He and Anne married on May 1, 1952 in Niantic, CT and raised their children Donna, Lisa, John, Karen and Lori primarily in Falmouth, ME and Worcester, MA before moving to Great Barrington, MA where they spent their later working and early retirement years while enjoying the culture of the Berkshires. Dick enjoyed his landscaping projects and his dogs, Stocky and Bogie. He and Anne loved their trips to the Caribbean and European River cruises with Bill and Jane Calkins and weekends with the Calkins Crew on Griswold Island and skiing and weekends on Moshier Island, Maine with longtime friends, the Harrimans.
Dick was involved as a coach in the Jessie Burkett LL and served as coach, manager and President of West Side Babe Ruth. He also assisted and spent many hours volunteering with the Worcester Swim Club. He and Anne started their children with a love of sports and the outdoors.
Dick is survived by his daughter, Donna Sansoucy and her husband John of Worcester, MA and their children Thomas and Carly, daughter Karen Calkins of Holland, MA, daughter Lisa and her daughter Heidi Kurpaska, daughter Lori and his son John Calkins, his partner Jen Grow of Northampton, MA and their children Beckett, Sophie and Emme. The older grandchildren remember Grandma and Grandpa camps and Grandpas grilled cheese and milkshakes.
The family would like to thank Auburn Life Care Center for his recent care but especially Luz H for her caregiving for both Anne and Dick. Memorial contributions can be made directly to East Lyme historical Society or Connecticut Humane Society in Quaker Hill, CT. Burial will be a private graveside ceremony at a later date in Niantic, CT.