Richard J. Meresko, age 75, of Stratford, and formerly of Bridgeport, passed away on May 29, 2017 in Hospice care at Bridgeport Hospital, after a long illness. Richard was born in Bridgeport on May 26, 1942 to the late Frank and Stella (Bloszko) Meresko and has been a life long area resident. After graduating from high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for over ten years; he then worked for Southern New England Telephone until his retirement. Richard was very patriotic and it was appropriate that he passed on Memorial Day. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling and photography.  Almost every year until retirement, he could be seen (if not heard) heading out for yet another adventure to the wild west.  His preferred mode of travel (and intimidation) was his camper/pickup and his unorthodox driving style.  Travel was also the source of most of his frustration in life, especially when he decided to forego established roadways.  Always looking to see the beauty in places many do not, he loved entertaining family and friends with slide shows of his adventures.   He was a member of numerous gun clubs including: Remington Gun Club, Ansonia Rod and Gun, NRA of America benefactor, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, NRA Political Victory Fund, and Wounded Warriors, where he was a fan of trap, skeet and sporting clays. He was also a member of the VFW Post #15007, American Legion in Rocky Hill, and the Craftsman Club.   He will be greatly missed by his nephew, Thomas – who was a constant travel companion until college and career called.  In his quieter moments (who knew?) he enjoyed tinkering with his expansive HO train layout, watching old western movies and enjoying an ice cold Coors. Survivors include his devoted sister, Betty (Meresko) Tvardzik, nephew, Thomas William Tvardzik, and great-nephew, Andrew Thomas Tvardzik all of Texas, one uncle, Joe Bloszko and his wife Pat of Milford and many cousins. Friends may greet Richard's family on Monday, June 5 ^th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford, with a graveside committal service and military honors to follow in St.Michael's Cemetery, Stratford.