Richard Edward Bierkan

Richard Edward Bierkan, known by most as “Dick”, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, November 7th. Dick was born in Hartford on January 16, 1946 to Howard and Evelyn (Wells) Bierkan. Dick was raised in Windsor and then many years in Madison. He raised his family in Middlefield where he and his beloved wife Martha (Brown) lived for close to 40 years. Dick most recently lived in Old Saybrook and then Niantic.

Dick served as the Head PGA Golf Professional at Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield for 42 years. He loved raising his family on the Lyman Farm and in Middlefield. Dick and his family enjoyed many outdoor activities together including golf, ice skating, gardening, time at the beach in Madison and Watch Hill, RI and time on the boardwalk in Niantic.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of family, hard work and kindness. He very much loved his parents, siblings, his devoted wife Martie, his children, grandchildren and nephews. He made many friends through the game of golf and his service to the local community.

Preceded in joining the Lord are his parents Howard and Evelyn Bierkan, in-laws Henry and Emma Brown and daughter Amy Kathryn.

Dick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha (Brown); sons David and John; daughters Tricia (Ferraiuolo) and Kathryn Bierkan; son-in-Laws Ronald Ferraiuolo and Reginal Stanford; grandchildren Emma, Annabella, Sara, Grace, Keegan and Cameron; sister Linda (Arvo) Hall; brothers Donald (Sandy) Bierkan and Paul (Betsy) Bierkan; nephews Don Bierkan, Michael Hall, Mark Bierkan and Brian Hall.

Calling Hours will take place at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook on Sunday, November 17 from 1-4pm.

Dick’s Memorial Service and Military Honors will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Old Saybrook on Monday, November 18 at 10:30am. A reception will immediately follow. In honor of Dick, please wear pink and blue.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.