Richard Alan Chudd, 82, of Redding, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by his family, following complications from an unfortunate fall.

Richard was born on January 2, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan to Walter and Ellen Chudd. The eldest of four children, he cherished growing up in the brick house his father built and took pride in helping to raise his younger siblings, Donald, Linda, and Cynthia. As a boy he discovered a lifelong love of craftsmanship, building and painting model ships and creating elaborate scenes for his model trains.

Richard went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Wayne State University, followed by a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Michigan. During the Vietnam War, he served as an officer in the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps. It was through the Navy that he came to New York City, where he met Mary Louise Tallent on December 5, 1971. The two were married on December 9, 1972.

After leaving the Navy in August 1973, Richard built a distinguished career in civil engineering, working for several engineering consulting firms and for the City of New York. Over the course of his career, he left a lasting mark on the New York City metropolitan area, playing a significant role in the transportation planning of the Jacob Javits Convention Center, the Atlantic Terminal, the monorail at Newark International Airport, the redevelopment of both the Westside Highway and the Grand Central District, as well as the Second Avenue Subway Line.

Richard and Mary raised two children, Suzanne and William (Bill), in New Rochelle, New York. From teaching Suzanne and Bill how to ride a bike, cook weekend family breakfasts, and research school projects, summer jobs and universities, Richard showed his strong commitment to fatherhood. The family shared many happy vacations together, including trips to Michigan and the Adirondacks, as well as a memorable road trip to Florida.

Richard watched his family grow as his children married: Bill to Gretchen Hoffmann in 2003, and Suzanne to John Greco, Jr. in 2007. Their marriages brought four grandchildren into his life: Katherine Greco, Henry Chudd, Matthew Greco, and Colin Chudd. Richard and Maryenjoyed celebrating the holidays together with their familyin Connecticut and Massachusetts.

After retiring in 2012, Richard and Mary embarked on a new chapter of extensive world travel, ultimately enjoying sixteen trips across six continents, with standout journeys to Hawaii, Russia, Italy, Egypt, and Southeast Asia. In 2023, Richard and Mary relocated to Meadow Ridge, a retirement community in Redding, Connecticut, where over the past two and a half years they enjoyed attending numerous events, joining committees, and making lovely,new friends.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of more than fifty-three years, Mary; his children, Suzanne (John Greco, Jr.) and Bill (Gretchen Hoffmann); his four grandchildren, Katherine Greco, Henry Chudd, Matthew Greco, and Colin Chudd; his brother, Donald Chudd, and wife Vicki; his sister, Linda Vernon, and husband George; his sister, Cynthia Luck, and husband Randy; his sister-in-law, Barbara Zegarelli, and husband Philip; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Richard will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his quiet pride in his engineering achievements, and his enduring curiosity about the world. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends may greet the family on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Bouton Funeral Home, 31 W. Church St., Georgetown, CT 06829.