Obituaries

Richard Fiske, Developer, Temple Founder, and Rower, Dies at 75

The Woodbridge resident's family provides an official obituary.

Richard “Dick” Fiske, 75, of Woodbridge, died November 28, 2011, in a boating accident in Oxford.

He was a principal of for the past 48 years. Under his innovative leadership, he developed and built more than 2,500 homes in Connecticut, as well as multiple commercial properties.

Fiske was instrumental in the establishment of , where he served as its first president and remained an indispensable part of temple life.

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He was a dedicated member of the Jewish Community Center, as well as the New Haven Rowing Club, and the UVM Alumni Association. His zest for life was evident in his many activities and interests: sailing, skiing, biking, running, traveling, and most of all, rowing.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of Beatrice and Theodore Fiske (deceased), he is survived by his loving wife, Betsy (Gandelman); his children, Gary and Tracey of Cheshire, Dean and Tracey of Bethany, Ruth and Sam Ratner of Cheshire, and Darcy and Peter Hoberman of Hoboken, N.J.

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He is also survived by his grandchildren, Stephanie, Max, Rebecca, Michael, Jillian, Spencer, and Matthew; as well as his brothers, William Fiske of Scottsdale, Ariz., Barry Fiske of Del Ray Beach, Fla., and many loving nieces, nephews, and family members.

A funeral service will be held at the on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. Internment will follow.

A period of mourning will be observed at 26 Inwood Road, Woodbridge, beginning on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m.; Thursday 1 to 8 p.m.; Friday 1 to 3:30 p.m.; and concluding on Saturday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. A minyan service will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Temple Beth David, 3 South Main Street, Cheshire, CT; the VNA of Southern CT, 24 Scott Street, Hamden, or the charity of one’s choice.


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