Obituary: Richard C. Hay Jr., 70, Of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — (From Pistey Funeral Home): Richard C. Hay Jr., 70, of Stratford, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Bridgeport Hospital, with his loving wife Karen at his side.

Richard was born in San Francisco, CA to the late Richard C. Hay Jr. and Janet (Hopkins) Hay who met overseas while serving in the Army after World War II. After briefly living in Massachusetts, the family moved to Houston, Texas.

Richard became ill at a young age with bulbar polio and spent a year in an iron lung. His father, Dr. Hay, visited him every day before and after his work at the hospital. We all know the long-term effects this awful disease had on Richard’s body and how it caused him problems his entire life.

Despite these challenges, Richard was able to live a full, successful and productive life. He was a walking “miracle.” While living in Houston he became an avid fan of Houston sports teams, especially the Houston Astros. Richard attended Texas A&M University where he was a member of the E1 and M1 Medical Companies in the Corps.

During Richard's freshman year, he was able to see the Mediterranean while working on A&M's the Texas Clipper. He also worked during the summers with Harvey Construction where he helped build parts of the Galleria Mall and office complex that still stands in Houston today.

Richard graduated in 1973 with a B.S. in Food Science. He worked with Planters Peanuts and a merger with Nabisco Foods Group brought him to Corporate Research & Development. There he met Karen Francis, his beloved wife of 40 years.

Richard was very proud of some of the projects he worked on while with Nabisco Foods Group. Several of his most significant accomplishments included Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, the Snackwell foods line and Chunky Chips Ahoy. After 20 years with Nabisco, Richard started a new career at Pepperidge Farms where he was a Senior Food Scientist for almost 15 years. There he achieved recognition for his efforts in support of Milanos, Milano Melts and Chunk Cookies.

Richard was a chocolate “expert” who not only loved to work with, but eat chocolate.

His hobbies included some leather work (making wallets, etc.), but his passion was wood working. He was very talented and made furniture for his home. Richard loved growing vegetables and enjoyed his time working with Karen’s father, Peter every summer in the garden. He and Pete also spent many years perfecting the art of making homemade wine.

Richard was a very compassionate and loving oldest brother, companion and husband and will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

In addition to his wife, Karen Francis, Richard is survived by his siblings, William Woodbury Hay, of Houston, TX; Anne Hay Lockwood (David Mckee) of Houston, TX; and Holly Hay Hopkins (Kevin Hopkins) of Commerce, GA. Richard also has 12 nieces/nephews and 14 great nieces/nephews. He leaves behind his precious companion and best friend, Riley, a Tibetan Terrier, his beloved cousin, Marilyn Francis and his best friends, John and Kathleen Schumacher.

He was predeceased by his sister Sandy Hay Zeek, his brother Bradford Taylor Hay and Peter, Peggy and Debbie Francis, his loving second family.

Friends may attend A Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford with Rev. Birendra Soreng officiating. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

Due to current health guidelines, face mask and social distancing protocols must be followed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Nature Conservancy or the Worldwide Wildlife Fund.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Pistey Funeral Home here.