Resident of the Month

Mr. Richard is from Windsor, Connecticut, and was born on January 16th in a log cabin built by his father and uncles. He attended Connecticut High School. After graduating, Richard joined the Army in 1948. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he attended CBR (Chemical, Biological, and Radiological) Warfare School. During his time in the Army, Richard traveled to many different places.

Richard served as an aviator in Hong Kong and later worked as a dispatcher, coordinating trucks for a motor pool at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He returned to Okinawa for a second tour. It was during this time that Richard met the love of his life, Gladys Ann, in December 1954. They met at a dance hosted by the insurance company where Gladys worked. Richard immediately had his eye on Gladys, and the two spent the evening dancing together. After the dance, John Hancock provided a bus for the ladies to get home, and Richard jumped on the bus to pursue the woman he had fallen for. He got Gladys’s phone number and address, and their love story began.

Richard and Gladys were engaged for a year. During that time, Richard took a three-day pass to Virginia, where he and Gladys drove up on Friday, married on Saturday, and returned home on Sunday. They spent 69 wonderful years together, raising four children, enjoying the company of ten grandchildren, and cherishing the presence of one great-grandchild.

Together, Richard and Gladys traveled to over 100 countries, went on 40 cruises, and even visited New Zealand. They lived in various places throughout their life, including California, Korea, and Fort Bliss, Texas. Richard worked as an instructor for three years and also served as branch chief. He later worked for Hamilton Standard.

Recently, Richard lost the love of his life, Gladys. He spends many days reminiscing about their life together, cherishing the memories they created. At Wildcat Senior Living, Mr. Richard is affectionately known as the “Bingo King.” He was also recently appointed the President of the Assisted Living Resident Council; a role that reflects his leadership and the respect he has earned from his fellow residents.

We are truly blessed to have a military veteran who served his country with pride and stood for our freedom. It is an honor to serve Richard and his family here at Wildcat Senior Living, where he is deeply loved and respected.