Obituary of Richard Michaels

Richard W. Michaels, 87, of Southbury CT, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend departed this world on 9/3/2008 surrounded by his family. Born November 4, 1920 in Waterbury to Harry and Anna (Brachman) Michaels, married for 60 years to Betty Jane (Hall) Michaels, proud father of 5 children & 9 grandchildren. Mr. Michaels attended Driggs, The Gunnery, Suffield Academy, and graduated from Peekskill Military Academy. He attended UConn (43), and was a member of the golf and football teams, until WWII interrupted his studies. He joined the Army Air Corps, 5th Air Force 33rd Squadron, 22nd Group, as a Celestial Navigator, flying 56 missions in the Pacific and was awarded a number of medals, rising to the rank of Captain. He was a third generation member of Michaels Jewelers, a family business founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia in1885 by his grandfather, Abraham. Like his father, he managed the Waterbury store, and served as President of Michaels Jewelers until his retirement in 1986. His son, Richard H, followed his footsteps, as President of the 12-store company. Michaels was the first Certified Gemologist in CT (60), established one of the first Accredited Gem Labs in New England and was active in the Connecticut Jewelers Association (Pres), American Gem Society, and was bestowed the coveted Shipley Award (86) for his outstanding service, significant contribution to the science of gemology and for exemplifying the high purpose, objectives and ideals of the Society. He was instrumental in establishing the Michaels Jewelers Scholarship Fund (awarding 8 student athlete scholarships annually) at UConn; served on the UConn Business School Board of Visitors, was awarded the UConn Alumni Association Distinguished Corporation Award, and was inducted into the UConn Business School Hall of Fame. His distinguished community service included time as President of the Kiwanis Club and Waterbury Symphony Orchestra; serving on the Boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Center Bank, Salvation Army, Easter Seals, United Way, and Woodbury Board of Education, Corporator of Waterbury Hospital and The Waterbury Foundation. An avid golfer, Dick was instrumental in helping bring Arnold Palmer and Gary Player to Waterbury for an exhibition at Western Hills (63). A 50-year member of the Country Club of Waterbury, Dick won the club Championship in 1961, and was runner-up a number of times. He was also a dedicated fisherman and spent many days fishing on his beloved Cape Cod. Dick spent most of his life in Woodbury, enjoying summers on Cape Cod, and many winters in Naples, FL. He is survived by his wife, their five children and their spouses: Dale and Peter Wade (Eastham MA), Patti and Reed Gramse (Cape Elizabeth ME), Karen Michaels (Waterbury), Jyll Michaels (Middlebury), and Richard H. and Laurie Michaels (Woodbury); and 9 grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 10 at the Country Club of Waterbury, 1 Oronoke Road, Waterbury, CT. 3 pm to 7pm with remarks by family and friends at 6pm. The Alderson Funeral Home of Waterbury, 9 Holmes Ave. is assisting with the arrangements. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Nonnewaug High School Golf Team, 5 Minortown Rd, Woodbury, CT 06798 or to the VNA Hope Team 50 Brookside Rd, Waterbury CT 06708