Richard “Dick” Kriskey, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, man of faith, and dedicated servant of his community, passed away surrounded by his loving family. His life was defined by his generous spirit, faith, and an enduring commitment to the people and places he held dear.
Born at Greenwich Hospital on August 18, 1933, to the late Vincent and Margaret Kriskey, Dick was a proud lifelong son of Greenwich. After spending much of his childhood in Byram, he graduated from Greenwich High School and went on to serve four years in the United States Navy. He earned a degree in Philosophy from Cathedral College in Huntington, New York, an education that reflected the thoughtfulness and principles that guided his life.
On January 14, 1967, Dick married the late Regina Franco. Together, they built a loving family and a life filled with shared memories, deep affection, and devotion to one another. He joined the family business, Franco Brothers, Inc., a respected local construction firm that later became Livingston Builders LLC, and remained involved in the business through the end of his life.
Dick’s love for Greenwich ran deep. He could tell you every street in town and every turn along the coastline he loved. He understood its history, cherished its traditions, and truly believed in the importance of giving back. Over decades, he devoted thousands of hours to public service working to make his hometown a better place.
His service included six years on the Greenwich Board of Education and ten years on the Board of Estimate and Taxation, where he ultimately served as Chairman of the Board. He served sixteen years as Chairman of the Board of Assessment and Appeals and was appointed to the Board of the Greenwich Library by the First Selectman.
He was especially devoted to the Greenwich Emergency Medical Service, where he served as a member for more than twenty years and as Chairman. He was also active in the Representative Town Meeting, and the Republican Town Committee, serving for many years as District Chairman. He also served as President of the Greenwich Lions Club, and on the boards of the Greenwich Council of the Boy Scouts of America and Hill House.
His faith was central to his life. A longtime member of St. Mary Church, he served for decades as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. His devotion was quiet but steadfast, reflected in a life of service to his church, family, and community.
Dick knew how to enjoy life. He loved Nantucket and his Nantucket reds were a familiar signature. If you encountered him in his reds, aviator sunglasses, and his million-dollar smile, you were likely to be greeted with warmth, humor and a good conversation. He enjoyed boating, sailing, skiing, and golf, and was a longtime member of Burning Tree Country Club, where he served on the Board of Governors, and Indian Harbor Yacht Club.
Above all, Dick cherished his family. He treasured time in St. Thomas, Napa Valley, and at Tod’s Point, but his greatest happiness came from being with those he loved. He was immensely proud of his five grandchildren and followed their lives with genuine enthusiasm, attending their activities and taking an interest in what mattered to them. Few things brought him greater joy than gathering the whole family for Sunday night dinners at Indian Harbor.
Dick will be remembered for his love of family, his unwavering faith, and the many ways he enriched the lives of those around him.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Regina, and is survived by his children, Richard Kriskey Jr. (Kathy) of Old Greenwich, Nancy Alonzo (Jeff) of San Anselmo, California, and Susan Entwistle (Tyler) of New Canaan; five grandchildren, Payton, Colby, Aidan, Molly, and Finn; his sister, Kathy Shea (Michael) of Riverside; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held Monday, Sept. 21, from 4:0o to 8:00pm at Fred D. Knapp Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 10:00am at St. Mary Church. Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.