In Memory of

Richard

R.

Flower

III

Obituary for Richard R. Flower III

Richard R. Flower, III, 73, of Tolland, beloved husband of Joan Flower passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 22, 2019 just two weeks shy of their 49 year wedding anniversary. He was born in Yonkers New York on August 2, 1945, the son of the late Helen and Richard Flower, Jr. where he also grew with his mother, father and two older sisters, Lani Koste and Vicki Allen. He joined the US Navy at 17 years of age and served from 1964 to 1967 where the Navy changed his life. He attended SUNY at Cobleskill where he graduated with Honors. But most importantly he met and fell head over heels in love with a young lady from Saugerties, NY. This young lady, Joan Gilmore became Mrs. Flower on March 7, 1970, which was the best day of his life. Following were the births of their daughters Erika in 1970 and Kristen in 1974. Along with their two daughters their lives were perfect and still are up till this writing. After marrying in 1970 Dick went to work for Burlington County College in New Jersey. He assisted in setting up the Computer Systems for this brand new College. After a few years he was hired by CIGNA in Connecticut where he worked until 1973 when he formed CompTech Inc. a Computer Consulting Firm. In 1988 He sold the Corporation in with two offices and over 45 employees. Too young to retire Dick took a job with the State of Connecticut as Director of Information Technologies for the Department of Labor . In May of 1996 Kristen Flower had a son named Cory Flower. Cory gave his life a greater dimension and a goal that is indescribable. Cory was his best buddy. After retiring in 2003 at the age of 57, Dick pursued his hobbies of Antique Cars, Woodworking and buying and selling antiques. In 2008 Dick and his grandson formed a non-profit corporation called Kids In Limos Inc. which provided critically ill children rides to and from their hospital appointments in a stretched Limo. Each and every ride Dick provided brought a special feeling that is indescribable but fulfilling. He wished everyone could experience this feeling. The second most important thing to Dick was friends and his annual Christmas parties he would host each year. Joan worked hard at these for over the past 40 years which he could not thank her enough. He certainly hopes that even though he's gone people will still gather and have a drink to celebrate his life. Dick never met a person he did not like and his life reflected that. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Erika Flower of Manchester and Kristen Flower and her fiancé Brian DeLisle of Tolland; and his grandson, Cory Flower of Tolland. Dick had two grand puppies Kasey and Ella that were also the light of his life. Although he is no longer with us, he shall never be forgotten and will shine on in our lives forever. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at the Tolland Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Merrow Rd., (Rte. 195) Tolland. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hil, CT 06067 or to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., P.O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com