Richard Whittle passed away on November 12, 2022 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. Richard was born on January 20, 1947 to Frederick and Charlotte Whittle and grew up on the family farm, Whittles Willow Spring Farm in Mystic.
At Fitch Senior High School he was an accomplished string bass player and sang and performed with the folk song group, Windjammers, who entertained all over Connecticut. Upon graduation in 1965 he enlisted in the United States Army and deployed to Vietnam with the 18th Engineer Brigade. He served as a heavy equipment operator, building roads and airfields, at times coming under direct fire from the enemy. He courageously volunteered for a second tour in Vietnam.
When he came home he toured the United States cross country on his motorcycle, became a crop-dusting pilot, and worked in construction. He retired from General Dynamics/Electric Boat, where he worked in the Computer Aided Design department.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, sisters Elizabeth Whittle Hill, Dorothy Whittle Duguid, and brother Robert Whittle. He is survived by his brother William Whittle and wife Yvonne of Mystic, sister Cecelia Whittle Basque and husband John of Fort Myers, Florida, and sister Carol Whittle Pratt of Mystic, and his aunt Marjorie Brooks of Groton and many nieces and nephews.
Richard enjoyed kayaking, gardening, and was an avid enthusiast of Radio Controlled airplanes. A humble, hard-working man, who was always willing to lend a hand, he will be greatly missed by friends and family.
At his request there are no calling hours. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.