Richard William Erb

Richard W. Erb of Norwich died August 1, 2022 at the age of 80 and just shy of his 37th wedding anniversary. He will be remembered warmly as a friend to all with an easy smile, kind and quick wit and always ready to organize the next adventure – be it to Spring training camp with a radio press pass (somehow managing to get photographs), New York ball games, many Super Bowl games, or just a meal with friends and family. He travelled the U.S. coast-to-coast; north and south. Rich loved to take photographs of family, friends and places and loved sharing those photos with us all.

Rich was born to the late Margaret (Zable) and Herman Erb, and predeceased by three sisters Gayle, Nancy and Margie, and two brothers, Jerry and Walt. Rich is survived by this wife Patricia, who he never failed to call “amazing”, son Todd (Angela) of Waterford and loving granddaughters of whom he was very proud, Hannah J. Mendillo (Kyle) of Salem, and Madisyn D. Erb (Jacob) of Waterford as well as his great granddaughter Layne Josephine Mendillo whom he was lucky enough to have just welcomed to this world, and brother/dear friend Robert David Erb of Taftville and sisters-in-law, Donna McCaffrey and Lorraine Erb. He is also survived by his much beloved extended family, Leslie and Barrett Galbraith of Glastonbury and their daughter Catherine whom Rich loved to photograph on horseback or anytime, and Lynn Abraham (John) of Waterford, as well as many dear nieces and nephews.

Rich proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and then spent nearly 40 years as a sheet metal mechanic in Local 40 and was proud to have worked on the New York Trade Center. After retiring Rich continued to travel and fulfilled a lifelong dream to spend time in Australia, bringing home memories and more beautiful photographs.

Rich was a compassionate soul with a generous spirit and will be missed by all that he touched.

Rich’s family extends heart-felt thanks to the staff at Pendleton Healthcare, Mystic, who compassionately cared for Rich as his health declined.

Family and friends may visit Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 10:30 – 11:30 with a short service led by Reverend Dr. Cal Lord to follow.

In lieu of flowers please share a meal or catch a ball game with a friend this month.