Richard J. Donnelly, age 75 passed away on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 at St. Mary's Hospital Waterbury. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of Francis James Donnelly and Dorothy Gleason Donnelly of Stratford. Richard lived most of his life in Stratford. He served on the Police Department for the Town of Stratford from 1971 to 1988 before his retirement as a lieutenant. He was a 1959 graduate of Stratford High School and served his country proudly during the Vietnam Era in the U.S. Air Force. He was a Mason with Ansantawae Lodge # 89 Milford and was a National Archery Champion. Subsequently thereafter, Richard was owner of B&D Antenna Service in Fairfield County. Richard was involved in forming the Stratford Police Department color guard and the Stratford Emergency Medical Service. In later years after retirement, he enjoyed metal detecting and vacations in Maine. Survivors include his beloved wife of 37 years; Jane K. Fabrizio Donnelly, brother Francis James Donnelly, 3 sons; Brian VanStone and wife Megan of Colorado, Eric VanStone and wife Amy of Trumbull and Richard Esposito and wife Stephanie of Derby, 3 daughters; Christine Voytkowski of AZ, Kellie Lehn of Stratford and Bonnie Sprague. 11 grandchildren (Shawn Donnelly, Michael Vitka, Courtney and Alexandra Lehn, Alexis and Jocelyn VanStone, Brody and Mackenzie VanStone, Shylah Voytkowski, Richard and Louis Esposito) 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Johnson. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday March 31, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, in the Dennis & D'Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main St. Stratford. Funeral Services will take place on Friday April 1, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. To offer online condolences please visit dennisanddarcy.com