Richard M. Fox

Richard Fox passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love in Bethany, CT, on May 30, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Doreen (Peck) Fox for almost 40 years. In addition to his wife, Rick leaves behind his daughter Rachel Fox and her two partners Laura Sreebny and Julia Layton of Pasadena, California, as well as his daughter Lauren Fox and her spouse Kian (Brownell) Fox of Salem, Oregon. He also leaves behind grandchildren Wiley and Hobbes Layton of Pasadena, California.

Rick was born on September 2, 1945 in Cambridge, MA. His parents were Samuel and Rhoda (Kaplan) Fox. Although born in Cambridge, Rick was raised in Bridgeport and Fairfield, Connecticut. He attended Husson College in Bangor, Maine, where he earned his undergraduate degree before serving in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Rick earned a master's degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State College (SCSU). Rick dedicated many years of his career to teaching at the secondary level with the Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES). It was at ACES that Rick met Doreen and developed a friendship that later blossomed into a loving partnership and marriage.

Rick loved his family and had a great sense of humor. He loved to make outlandish comments to get his friends and family laugh or to see their reactions. Rick had a passion for gardening and cultivated a large organic vegetable and flower garden for many years. He found great satisfaction in nurturing the plants he grew and immense pleasure in sharing his love of gardening with his daughters. Together they spent many happy hours working in the garden, growing everything from radishes to squash.

Music was another great love in Rick's life. A devoted fan of Bob Dylan, he enjoyed sharing favorite songs and artists with those around him. Some of his friends’ and family's fondest memories are of the music Rick filled their home with and the spontaneous dance parties he enjoyed with everyone in his life.

Rick was also an avid reader with a particular interest in history, politics, and fiction. He was curious about the world and valued learning throughout his life. He loved to bring his daughters on outings to Whitlock’s Book Barn, where they would spend time perusing the collections of books, old postcards, and numerous prints up in the loft. Rick would also bring his daughters to a location near the book barn that they called “the fishy pond”, which was a little stream along a dirt road in the middle of the forest. Rachel and Lauren fondly remember these times, and have brought their current loved ones to the same magical locations when in Bethany for a visit.

Whether tending his garden, listening to music, reading a good book, spending time with his family, or sharing conversation with friends, Rick found joy in life's simple pleasures. Rick’s favorite place was at home, especially in recent years. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends.

A small ceremony will be held at a future time to celebrate Rick’s life. The family asks that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or Parkinson’s Foundation in his memory.

Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to care for Richard and assist his family during their grief journey. Please leave your condolences, photos, and memories of Richard on his Tribute Wall on this page. 

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