Frank O. Rist

Frank Otto Rist, 95, of East Hartford, loving husband of 62 years of the late Sarah “Sally” (Clapper) Rist, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 27, 2023. Born in Guilford, Vermont on February 23, 1928, a son of the late Harry W. and Cassie (Williams) Rist, he had been a resident of East Hartford since 1955. Frank was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy Seabees during World War II. Prior to his retirement as a foreman, Frank was employed for over 30 years by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of East Hartford. He was a 3rd Degree Mason of the Hartford Lodge #88 in South Windsor, along with being a member of the American Legion Post #200 in Rocky Hill and a life member of the VFW. A talented man, Frank enjoyed puttering and repairing things around his home and yard and was always willing to assist others. Most of all, Frank was a devoted and proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who received great joy being around his entire family.

Frank is survived by a daughter, Cyndianne “Cyndi” R. Guillotin of Manchester; five cherished grandchildren, Taryn S. Risucci of Carrollton, TX, Jeffrey M. Risucci and his wife Amanda of Enfield, Brian Rist-Gustafson and his wife Katie of South Windsor, Brittany Gustafson of Farmington, Brendan Gustafson and his wife Allison of Vernon; and six adored great-grandchildren, Kenzie, Astrid, Atlas, Paige, Ariana, and Wesley. He also leaves his daughter-in-law, Maureen Gustafson and her husband Brian Gustafson of East Hampton; many nieces, nephews, neighbors and dear friends. Along with his beloved wife and parents, Frank was predeceased by a son, David B. Rist of East Hampton; a daughter, Gail S. Rist-Risucci of Manchester; a son-in-law, Andre Guillotin of Manchester; and all of his brothers and sisters.

Funeral service will be Friday (September 1, 2023) at 11 am at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Hillside Cemetery, (Section D), East Harford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday morning from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Frank’s name may be made to a favorite charity of the donor’s choice. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.