Obituary of Leonard Anthony Rich

Our beloved Leonard Anthony Rich, with his loving family by his side, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024, at the age of 88.  He was born on May 1, 1935, in Bridgeport, CT to his parents, the late Anthony Leonard Rich and Mildred (Carpenter) Rich.   He was the eldest of their four sons and one daughter.

Known to all as Lenny, he was a beautiful soul who loved life, cherished his family and many lifelong friends, and deeply touched all who knew him.  He had an amazing sense of humor, positive outlook on life, and loved to make people laugh.  He radiated warmth and joy, making all those in his presence feel appreciated.    

Ever since his humble beginnings growing up on the east side of Bridgeport, he valued education and work. Shortly after graduating from Harding High School he served military duty in Fort Bliss, Texas.  However, at the age of 21, due to the premature death of his father, he was granted an honorable discharge to provide family support to his mother and four younger siblings.

He worked his way through college, earned a business degree from the University of Bridgeport and later completed Harvard University’s Business Management Program for Executives. He had a successful career in finance and business administration leading up to his most recent position as Chief Financial Officer of Risdon Corporation.

By his side at all times was the love of his life Jeannie, with whom he shared 65 blissful married years, as they raised their 3 daughters in their Monroe CT home.  He was an exceptional husband and father.

Lenny was an avid golfer and reveled in his memories of playing at such courses as St. Andrews and Pebble Beach, as well as an avid traveler, creating memorable experiences from spending winters in Florida to a summer in a villa in Tuscany.

Lenny is predeceased by his loving wife Jean (Cicchiello) Rich, his two brothers, Thomas and Jay Rich and is survived by his daughters Lisa Rich (Rafael Busto), Laura Gomez (Javier) and Lynn Rich (SG Rajeev) and his six grandchildren, Chase & Julia Busto, Lenny & Sara Gomez, Alec & Leela Rajeev as well as his sister Marie Rich Gier, his brother Anthony Rich and many nieces and nephews.

The family will host a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St Jude Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT.   Friends are invited between 10-11 to greet the family.  Interment will follow in Monroe Center Cemetery, Monroe, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated, https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8284748&fr_id=154020&pg=personal