Obituary: Richard Allen Kitchens, 80, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Richard Allen Kitchens, 80, of Branford, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday morning April 23, 2021. Richard was born in Downers Grove, Illinois, to Rolla and Vera Gollhofer.

After graduating from high school, Rich joined the Navy where he worked his way up to third class petty officer on the USS Warrington. After his time in the Navy, he moved to CT where he would meet the love of his life Judi, while working as a lifeguard at the Owenego. Rich began his career as a banker. Later, he would transition into operating his own cleaning business for several years. In the years leading up to his retirement, he served as the Supervisor of Maintenance at Honeywell Corporation.

Most days, Rich could be found working in his backyard, taking long walks around Branford Point, golfing with his sons and sons-in-law, or adding to his admirable stamp collection. Rich loved nothing more than being surrounded by family. One of his favorite places to visit and enjoy a good IPA was Hill Farmstead Brewery located in Vermont. Rich especially loved family get togethers during the holidays, his favorite being Thanksgiving where he would make his famous turkey dinner. Rich and Judi often spent weekends driving up and down the coast of CT, stopping at their favorite antique stores and restaurants. Anyone that knew Rich would tell you what a funny and sweet man he was, always chatting with anybody lucky enough to be found close by.

Rich is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Judi Kitchens, and his four children and their spouses, Jason and Rebecca Kitchens, Jaime and Michael Flaherty, Christy and Ray Mirando, and Adam and Noi Kitchens. Rich was also known as the best “Grampy” to his 9 grandchildren: Taylor, Skylar, Piper and Brewer Flaherty, Jackson and Madison Kitchens, and Sawyer, Beckett, and Finn Mirando.

Rich loved animals, and leaves behind two furry friends, dogs, Blue and Ellie.

Rich is survived by a brother, Robert Gollhofer and predeceased by one brother and two sisters.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Rich on Friday April 30, 2021 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church (St. John Bosco Parish) 731 Main Street, Branford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rich’s name to Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford, CT.