Richard Furniss, 81

Richard Marsh Furniss, 81, of Burlington, passed away suddenly on his birthday, Jan. 24. He was the son of the late Dr. William E. and Doris (Ireland) Furniss.

Richard graduated from Dartmouth College and had a long career in human resources, retiring from American Savings Bank as the Vice President of Human Resources. He also volunteered on many executive boards for a variety of human service agencies.

Richard loved watching the UConn girls basketball team, having lengthy conversations with family and friends, attending auctions and working a farm. He was more comfortable in overalls and jeans than suits and ties. Richard thoroughly enjoyed being retired. He traveled often, worked on his tan and enjoyed the sun and surf while the rest of us suffered through cold, snowy winters.

Richard is survived by his son Keith Furniss and his wife Jacquelyn of Bristol; daughter Kathryn (Katie) Beaudin and her husband Adam of Texas; grandchildren Alexa, Katelynn and Jack Furniss, Kyle and Abby Beaudin; sister Diane Happy and her husband Richard of Nev.; brothers David Furniss of Fla., Donald Furniss and his wife Jean of Plymouth and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Duane Furniss.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Yale New Haven Children’s Heart Center, www.ynhh.org/childrens-hospital.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit Richard’s memorial webpage at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com.


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