Richard A. Prior Sr., 86, of Enfield, beloved husband of 53 years to Marie (Lauzon) Prior, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital. Son of the late Allyn and Marion (Spear) Prior, he was born in Springfield, MA on July 11, 1936.
Richard was a veteran instrumental music educator at the elementary, secondary, and collegiate level. He especially loved his time as Band Director at East Hartford High School where he taught generations of young musicians instrumental music and music theory while he conducted concert, jazz, musical theater and marching bands. He will be remembered for his love of Big Band and Dixieland Jazz music, his annual band trips to Florida, football half-time performances and leading the Pit Band for the East Hartford Summer Youth Festival.
His enthusiasm and joy inspired countless youth to enter the music and teaching professions.
As a woodwind performer in the popular jazz, concert band, symphony and musical theater genres he held both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Connecticut as well as a Professional Educator Certificate from Central Connecticut State University.
While working in New York City in the early days of his career, he attended graduate studies at the Julliard School of Music where he studied clarinet and saxophone with the legendary Joe Allard. Performing in clubs, theaters and resorts, Richard provided the instrumentals for some of the musical greats of his day. His love of performance continued throughout life, playing with local musicians in the Springfield Symphony, dinner theater shows at the former Coachlight, Storrowton Tavern & Carriage House, the Ice Capades and hundreds of weddings across the region.
Richard loved music, but more importantly, he loved the people and camaraderie of so many with whom he performed in a lifetime filled with music.
Outside of work, he had many interests. He had an intense desire to learn and read. He enjoyed collecting and tinkering with electric trains, learning how to use all the latest technology, and, most recently, he mastered a new Kenwood radio speaking to persons all over the world throughout the pandemic. A skilled woodworker, Richard built many pieces of furniture for his wife and children. Most of all, he loved to travel and explore new places with family.
In addition to his beloved wife Marie, Richard is survived by his children, Dr. Roberta Louise Prior of Meriden, Laurie P. Ely and her husband, Christopher J. Ely of West Hartford, and Richard A. Prior Jr. and his wife, Melissa Lane Prior of Syracuse, NY. Richard also had the joy of grand-fatherhood and leaves one granddaughter, Brianna Faith Ely, of West Hartford. Brianna and Richard had a special connection and shared a love of music, fireworks, the beach and electronic toys.
In addition, Richard is survived by his friend and brother, Bruce Prior, of Rochester, NH, and his wife Susan, his brother-in law Brian Lauzon Jr. and his wife Paula, of Las Vegas, NV, his sister-in-law, Roberta Deragon of West Springfield, MA, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother Marion Spear Prior, who passed in 1997 and his father Richard Allyn Prior, who passed in 1982. Richard adored his parents and was deeply thankful for the wonderful upbringing he had and their continued encouragement. He is also predeceased by his father-in-law, Brian Lauzon Sr., father-in-law, Thomas Hennessey, and their wife and Richard’s mother-in-law, Yvette Lauzon Hennessey.
In addition to his family, Richard had many lifetime friends and neighbors that he enjoyed spending time with greatly. Richard’s family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd, Enfield, CT. A funeral service will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Vernon United Methodist Church, 401 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT. Burial will be private.
Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to Autism Speaks, Inc. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.
