Richard Pierce Dargan

Richard Pierce “Dick” Dargan Sr. passed away peacefully at home on September 8, 2022.  For 66 years he was the husband of the late Nancy Holleran Dargan. 

Dick was born in West Haven on March 29, 1929 the second of five children of the late Robert S. Dargan Sr. and Marie C. Murphy Dargan.  He is survived by his children, Richard P. Dargan Jr. and his wife Maryann of Medina, Ohio, Kathleen S. Neelon and her husband Michael of Wallingford and Patricia A. Ferraro and her husband Mark of Hamden.  Also surviving him are his grandchildren Erin (Mark) Vleugels, Kate Dargan and Ailene (Adam) Zaebst, Chelsea Neelon, Taylor Neelon and US Army Sgt. Michael Patrick Neelon, his great grandchildren Grace Catherine Vleugels and Andrew Dargan Vleugels along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Also surviving him are his siblings Sister Maryfaith Dargan, OP and Virginia (the late Richard) Doyle.  In addition to his wife, Dick was also predeceased by his great granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Vleugels, his older brother Robert S. Dargan Jr. and his younger brother the Rev. Peter S. Dargan.

The family would like to especially acknowledge Rebecca Gray for the tremendous care and compassion she provided Dick over the last five years.  Her care allowed him and Nancy to remain in their home through the end of their lives.

Dick was educated in the West Haven School System and went on to graduate from New Haven State Teachers College (SCSU) where he received his BA, Masters and 6th year degrees.  He began his teaching career in West Haven in 1950 which was interrupted by his induction into the Army during the Korean War.  After his honorable discharge at the end of the war, in which he served as a Medic, he resumed his teaching career in 1953 at the “old” Forest School moving on to Giannotti Jr. High School when it opened in 1964, serving as Head of the Math Department.  He concluded his career in education in 1990 at Carrigan Middle School.  In addition to his career in education, he was employed from the early to mid-1960’s by the West Haven Community House serving as operator of the game room after school hours and on Saturdays in addition to serving as camp counselor at the annual summer camp in Painter Park.

After his wife Nancy retired the year following his retirement, they enjoyed almost twenty years spending the winter and early spring golfing and entertaining family in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Dick and Nancy also enjoyed their games of pinochle and bridge with their long-time friends and neighbors.

Dick will be remembered fondly for his compassion and dedication to his family, friends, neighbors and students.  His great sense of humor and easy going personality put all at ease.  He had a great Irish tenor singing voice and could be counted on to display this at family holiday gatherings.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM on SATURDAY, September 24th followed by a mass of Christian Burial in St. Lawrence Church at 10 o’clock.  Internment, with military honors, following in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Should family or friends desire, contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Cure SMA or to a charity of one’s choice.

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