Richard Merritt Stockbridge, 86, of Groton died Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Patricia E. (Gallagher) Stockbridge.
Richard was born and raised in Boston, MA, the son of A. Merritt and Ann (Sheehy) Stockbridge. He attended local Boston schools and was a graduate of Boston University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1962.
Richard worked at General Dynamics and the US Sub Base for 20 years. For 40 years he worked in the import jewelry business and was owner of the Shoreline Shopper which featured jewelry in stores in Mystic and all along the East coast. As a part of his import business, he made over 40 buying trips to Taxco, Mexico. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Women’s UCONN Basketball team.
He is survived by his daughters Laurie and her husband John Knox of Ledyard and Tracey and her husband Tony Pachick of Mountain Top, PA and by his granddaughter, Grace, who was the love of his life.
Richard also leaves his great and wonderful friends of over 30 years, Jan Powelzyk and her son Greg.
He was a kind, patient and funny man who loved his family, friends, and community.
Funeral Services will be private.