Richard Tonino

Richard Tonino, 93, the devoted husband of Arline Colturi Tonino, father and friend, entered into rest Sunday October 12, 2008 in West Hartford, where he had made his home the past 48 years. Born in Worcester, MA, he was the son of the late Desiderio and Rose Lazzerini Tonino. He was a graduate of Wesleyan University where he played baseball and basketball and had a lifelong passion for sports, especially golf. He worked as an accountant for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for over 30 years. He was a lector, and was a life-long parishioner at St. Peter Claver Church. Richard was fascinated by the world around him, intellectually curious and constantly reading. His interests ranged from oriental cultures, to astronomy, to music, and economics and he imparted this enthusiasm to those around him. Richard had a terrific sense of humor and a ready wit. He rapidly endeared himself to everyone with his charming humor and friendly smile. In all situations he was optimistic, seeing the humor, never despairing, and seeing the best in those around him. He treated all those around him with quiet respect and dignity, always showing the greatest kindheartedness to all people – which people reflected back upon him. Along with his wife Arline, he is survived by his two sons; Richard Tonino MD of Burlington, VT; Robert Tonino and Anna, his beloved daughter-in-law, of West Hartford; two grandchildren, Molly and Leath; his sister Rena Lenge of West Hartford and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Edward. Richard truly was one of the many in the "Greatest Generation", exemplifying the utmost sense of duty, honor, and valor. He was drafted or "called up" in Jan. 1942. While virtually blind in his left eye, he refused to accept a medical deferment. Later in 1942, Pratt & Whitney requested he accept a military defense work deferment which he again refused, and while in Air Force Meteorology School at the University of Michigan he graduated first in his class, and was offered a commission and a position as a Meteorology instructor in Ann Arbor for the duration. Refusing once again he insisted on serving overseas in a combat theater, serving in the Army Air Corps Feb. 1942 – March 1946. Trained as a meteorologist with the rank of Master Sergeant, he served with the 5th Army Air Force – South Pacific Theater with active operations in New Guinea, the Philippines and Okinawa. He also served occupation duty from August 1945 in Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan until his discharge. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:15 a.m. from the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford with the celebration of his Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in St. Peter Claver Church West Hartford. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours are Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations in his memory may be made to The Guild of St. Agnes 104 Mayflower Rd. West Hartford, CT 06110 . Richard's family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr. Gregory Walsh and to the staff at St. Mary Home for all their care and kindness. Online messages of remembrance may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Richard Tonino

October 12, 2008 - October 12, 2008