Richard Robert Pacelli

Richard Robert Pacelli, known to most as Dick, of Fairfield and Stratford, entered eternal rest on September 18, 2026, at the age of 94. He led an extraordinary life, marked by an uncommon balance of generosity, faith, hard work, family, friendship, and play. He was married for fifty years to Jane Inglis and, following Jane’s passing, to Margaret “Peg” Pallotto.

Dick was born in 1932 in New Haven to the late Archangelo and Mary Pacelli. The youngest of seven children, he found joy early in life through playing and watching sports. He attended St. Francis Elementary School, Hillhouse High School, and UConn School of Pharmacy. At UConn, he fell in love with the lovely Jane Inglis, a fellow pharmacy student. Occasionally, partying sidetracked him from his studies; his fraternity nickname was “Owl,” thanks to his habit of staying up all night.

Dick’s most meaningful years in pharmacy began with Greenfield Pharmacy in Fairfield, a business he and Jane dreamed of, designed, and had built in the early-1960s. They ran the pharmacy together until the 1990s, taking great pride in serving their community and getting to know generations of customers who gathered around the soda fountain.

Dick’s love of pharmacy and his connection to the community continued for many years after Greenfield Pharmacy closed. He worked well into his 80s, including at Switzer’s Pharmacy in Southport, a beloved and longstanding hometown pharmacy and Visels Drug Store in New Haven. He remained proud of his profession and enjoyed the people and relationships that came with it.

In later years, people would occasionally sidle up to Dick and confess that they had shoplifted from Greenfield Pharmacy as kids. Dick would grin, lean in to shake their hand, and simply ask how they were doing. That was Dick—warm, forgiving, and always ready with a smile.

Dick and Jane were devoted UConn alumni and supporters and cheered on the Huskies for decades, especially the women’s and men’s basketball teams. They attended numerous Final Fours. Dick served as President of the UConn Alumni Association for two terms in the 80s. In 2008 he established the Richard and Jane Pacelli Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Long before supporting women’s basketball became as popular as it is today, Dick and Jane rarely missed a game and came to know many of the players personally. Dick especially loved posing for photographs with “the girls,” who seemed to tower over him, with everyone wearing broad smiles.

Dick was a member of the Patterson Club in Fairfield for fifty years, where he loved to golf, dine, and socialize. He also served in many capacities and on various boards over the years.

Dick was also a tireless Giants fan. He secured season tickets in the 1970s and relished Giants games and tailgating with friends and family for decades. He continued attending games until his early 90s. His son Rock and his family have proudly carried on the tradition.

Dick and his family also cherished their summers at Fairfield Beach, where he owned a home for 25 years. He became known affectionately as “the Candy Man” at the beach, always keeping a supply of candy on hand for the neighborhood children. The kids knew where to find him, and Dick loved seeing their faces light up. Fairfield Beach was a special place for Dick—a setting for summers filled with family, friends, good times, and countless memories. The tradition continues with his family today.

Throughout his life his Catholic faith kept him strong. He attended weekly Mass throughout his entire life.

Dick was predeceased by his parents and all six of his siblings: Marie Bontempo, Al Pacelli, Eleanor Alberino, Rose Tortora, Dolores Pacelli, and Sylvia Koelle.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Peg” Pacelli; his sons, Rick Pacelli and Rocky Pacelli, and their wives, Barbara (Kohout) Pacelli and Cheryl Carolan; and his grandchildren, Ben and his wife Erin Blaisdell, Alicia (Mars), Clare, Hilary and John. He is also survived by Peg’s extended family.

Dick was fortunate to know and love two great-grandchildren, Remy Jane and Rio Pacelli, whom he especially loved holding.

He will also be deeply missed by his dear friend Lou Mooradian; many beloved nieces and nephews; and the sons and daughters of dear friends who passed before him.

The family is deeply grateful to all the friends, family members, and loved ones who visited Dick, stayed in touch, and brought him companionship and comfort toward the end of his life. Every visit, phone call, and gesture of kindness meant a great deal to Dick and to his family.

The family is especially grateful to Peg, who cared for Dick for many years with strength and grace, and to Novlette Coote for her loving assistance.

Finally, the family extends its heartfelt thanks to the MozaicCommunity, whose staff cared for Dick with compassion and dedication for past few months.

Friends are invited to attend the funeral Mass Saturday, September 26th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive. Friends may call on Friday, September 25th from 4-7 p.m. at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Richard and Jane Pacelli Alumni Scholarship Fund #30982, c/o UConn Foundation, 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269.