Richard M. Piantanida

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard M. Piantanida who died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on July 1, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is the loving husband of 60 years to Sheila (Sullivan) Piantanida. Richard was born in Canton, CT on September 21, 1934 son of the late Alfonse and Denise (Simonen) Piantanida. He began his career in the automotive field at Schaller Oldsmobile and later at Wyman Oil. He then served his country in the US Army during the Korean War where he worked as a mechanic on the Amphibious Ducks. Upon returning home, Richard opened the Gulf Station on Hartford Road in Manchester. He later opened Dick's Esso Station which eventually became D&M Automotive where he and his son Michael worked together for over 25 years. Richard was a former member of the Knights of Columbus, the Army & Navy Club and was a life member of B.P.O.E # 1893. Richard loved his Boston Red Sox, going to tag sales and most of all spending time with his family. His quick wit, sense of humor and unending generosity would brighten anyone's day. In addition to his beloved Sheila, the love of his life, he leaves their three wonderful children; Jeannine "Snoop" Piantanida of Manchester, Jackie "The Baby" Demko and her husband Gary"Kurt" of Manchester and Michael "My Boy" Piantanida and his wife Andrea of Coventry, six special grandchildren; three granddaughters; Brittany Devanney and her husband Tim and Nicole and Danielle Piantanida , three grandsons with whom their Papa shared many good stories; Thomas, Taylor and Tanner Demko and two precious great-grandchildren; Mattingly Grace Devanney and Luke Richard Devanney. Richard also leaves his brother William Coleman of Michigan, sisters-in-law; Patricia Gaskell and Sharon Simler and her husband Bob, Rich's best friend, brothers-in-law; Santo Franzo, Donald Sullivan and his wife Claudia and Brian Sullivan, his beloved nieces & nephews as well as his cherished pets; Sammy, Katie, Baby Girl and Max. In addition to his parents Richard was predeceased by his sisters; Dorothy Johnson and Janet Franzo, sister-in-law Nancy Coleman and his father and mother- in-law Bernard and Laura Sullivan. Richard left his other family, whose loving care brightened his days this last year; his wonderful nurse Kim Hull whom he loved like a daughter, his aides; Aldo, Blondie, Maria, Glory, George, Carla, Carly, Shannon, Zee, Norma, Loretta, Mary Ann, Alexia, Evelyn and Emma. "He loved you all" Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Watkins Funeral Home, 142 East Center St. Manchester from 1-4 pm with a service at 4 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Kenway's Cause Inc. 500 Day Hill Road, Windsor, CT 06095 or to Cancer Care at St. Francis Hospital, 114 Woodland St. Hartford, CT 06105. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com

Visitation DetailsSaturday, July 9th, 2016 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Watkins Funeral Home
Service DetailsSaturday, July 9th, 2016 4:00pm, Watkins Funeral Home