Richard Waterbury Jr.

Richard “Ric” Willard Waterbury, Jr., 60, of Hampstead, North Carolina passed away in the comfort of his home after a long battle with cancer on the morning of March 6, with his wife and three girls by his side. Ric was born on April 9, 1961, in New Haven to parents Richard “Joe” and Dorrene Waterbury, who reside in Clinton.

He was the husband of Lisa (Fragola), his high school sweetheart and wife of almost 37 years. Ric is also survived by his daughters, Melissa, Kaitlyn, and Carly Waterbury. He was the older brother of Jim and Michael Waterbury, both of Clinton.

Ric grew up in Clinton and spent more than 50 years of his life in Connecticut raising his family in North Branford before moving to North Carolina. He graduated in 1979 from The Morgan School, where he was actively involved in musicals. His love for music began at a young age, and throughout his life he was the lead vocalist in multiple bands. Ric enjoyed playing football while he was young and his interest in sports continued becoming a die-hard Yankee, UConn basketball, Vikings, and Jets fan. His passion for landscape gardening developed into a career after he moved to North Carolina.

Other interests include boating on the intercoastal waterways of the Carolinas, camping, listening to all genres of music, practicing his nose flute, and watching Tim Burton films. One of his favorite morning rituals was drinking coffee while watching Leave It to Beaver and spending time with his family and dogs. Ric will always be remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father. He was admired by all his friends and family. Hey! Ho! Let’s Go.

Visiting hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at Swan Funeral home in Clinton. There will also be a celebration in North Carolina on Saturday, April 22.

“The ability to sit silently crafting the wittiest thing to say, and then get up to perform with the band owning the stage as if you were the most outgoing person in the world.” -MW

Share online condolences with the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.