Richard J. Cipriano, Sr.

Richard James Cipriano Sr., 90, of Prospect entered into heavenly rest on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 while surrounded by the love of his family.  He was the beloved husband of his late wife Cynthia (Pelkey) Cipriano.  Richard was born December 19, 1933 in Waterbury, a son of the late George and Helen (O’Connor) Cipriano.  Throughout his life he was known as “Cip”.

Cip loved his small town of Prospect, where he lived most of his life.  He grew up guided by his father’s strong role model of service to your community and country.  His father had served two terms as First Selectman and as Chief of Police for Prospect. After graduation from high school, Cheshire Academy, Cip went on to proudly serve his country in the US Army and subsequent to his return also became a Prospect Police Officer. 

Cip was a loving family man.  He loved his wife Cynde with all his heart for over 66 years.  Together they raised their large family of five children in devoted Christian love and faith. Cip worked as a sales person for most of his life in the food industry before he and Cynde began their own company Happy Time Balloons.  They sold greeting cards, gift wrap, bows, balloons, sports cards and confections. 

Throughout Cip’s life, he was a tremendous athlete in many sports. Cip played for many years in local softball clubs as a pitcher. He led his teams as pitcher to many national victories. He perfected the modified fast pitch and was recognized and inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame. 

Cip’s life personified his values and beliefs.  He dedicated his life in service to God, his family and his community.  He was a past deacon in his church, Living Faith Christian Church of Waterbury, and spent many years in missionary work sharing the Christian faith and message with others abroad. He also was an active member of the Prospect Senior Center and spent the last six years advocating for seniors as a board member for the Commission On Aging. 

Family was the center of Cip’s life and heart.  His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his world.  As his family grew so did his joy.  Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and devoted follower of Christ- in all these roles Cip leaves a strong legacy of dedication, service, love and selflessness. Rest with Jesus, Cip, good and faithful servant, your work is done.

Cip leaves to cherish his love and memory his children Richard Cipriano Jr. and his love Danee Rowe of North Carolina, Lara Panasci and boyfriend Lance LaBonte of Prospect and Pamela Mourges and her partner Phil Ziegler of Torrington.  He also leaves his adoring 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren and many friends.  Cip now joins his beloved wife Cynde in eternal rest along with their daughters Sandra Calca and Licia Jamele, and his brother Robert Cipriano and granddaughter Rebekah Panaci.

Calling hours for Rich will be Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd. Prospect. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 18, 2024 at 11 am at Living Faith Christian Church, 69 Prospect Rd., Waterbury.  All are asked to meet directly at church. In honor of Cip’s service to our country, military honors will follow funeral services at the church.  Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Cipriano family and invites you to share your favorite memories and words of comfort on Rich’s tribute wall at www.prospectmemorial.com.

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