Donald Vincent Richardson passed away May 13, 2016 at Masonicare Health Center in Wallingford, CT. He was born in Bridgeport, CT May 28, 1921 and was the son of the late Edna Sammis and John Warren Richardson. He graduated from Stratford High School in 1938, from the University of New Hampshire in 1942 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute with a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1953. He received his Professional Engineering license in New York in 1949, and later in Connecticut in 1968. He worked in the aircraft industry for 27 years (1942-1969), and then taught Electrical Engineering at Waterbury State Technical College, retiring in 1980 as Professor Emeritus. Don's interest in aircraft led him into the group of pioneers who gathered the first bits and pieces of antique aircraft that started the world renowned New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks in 1959. He then served as President of the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association (CAHA) for one term in the early 1960's.

During his career as an engineer he wrote a college textbook and lab manual on Rotating Electric Machinery, and he was also elected to Sigma Xi, the International Honor Society for Science and Engineering. When he retired in 1980 Don volunteered for many years at Boothe Memorial Park in Stratford where school programs were held involving Colonial Farming and Industry.

Don is survived by his wife of 71 years Elizabeth (Betty) Lake Richardson of Wallingford, their two sons: Russell French Richardson and his wife Yvonne of San Diego, CA, and Warren Newcomb Richardson and his wife Doreen of Meriden, and also by his niece Susan Curry and several cousins. Don was predeceased in 1989 by his older brother John (Bud) Sammis Richardson.

A celebration of life will be celebrate on Saturday, May 21,2016 at 2:00 pm at Ashlar Village, Auditorium A, Wallingford, CT, with Rev. Ed Rawls officiating and music provided by Dr. Joe Utterback and vocals by Michael Jovovich. For online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com