Richard E. Botta, age 86, of Stratford, CT, the beloved widower of Virginia (Pioli) Botta, peacefully passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023 in his home. He was born on September 5, 1937 to the late Duilio and Adelaide (Orioli) Botta, in Corona, Queens, where he grew up playing stick ball and stoop ball. Richard was a proud graduate of Columbia University and earned a Master's Degree from Adelphi University. He served in the United States Army tank corps for five years. Richard had a long and successful career as a local pharmacist. He was a resident of Oronoque Village where he enjoyed attending social events and dances, performing in plays, playing golf, pickleball, bocci, and poker. Richard was a devoted father to his three loving daughters, Lisa (Botta) Dolgos and her husband Peter of Crestwood, NY, Christina T. Botta of Trumbull, CT and Carolyn (Botta) Courbron and her husband Richard of Stratford, CT. He was a doting grandfather who loved to spend time with his cherished grandchildren, Emma, Christian, Abigail Patrick, Carter, Amelia and Lilly playing games, eating ice cream and sharing his Italian heritage.

Friends may greet his family on Wednesday, October 11th from 4-7 pm in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 12th at 10 am in St. Mark Church 500 Wigwam Lane Stratford, CT. Interment will be private.