TOLLAND, MA: Richard Manning Pustinger (1928-2016) entered Heaven’s Gates on March 29, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was the devoted husband of 62 years to the late Josepine (Kisiel) Pustinger.
Born October 1, 1928 to the late Clara (Cook) and John Pustinger in Winsted CT. “Dick” as he was lovingly known, was always a hard worker. From the time he was a little boy, he was always there whenever and where ever anyone needed a hand. He was an honorable Korean War Army Veteran and served as a welding instructor during this time.
He made a life-long career at Waring Products in New Hartford, CT; where he started working in the tool room at the age of 17, and worked his way up to be a highly esteemed manufacturing engineer. He was extremely modest of his talents, and it required a “Google” search to find out that he was the holder of design patents for his engineering work.
He was an excellent teacher, and had the patience of a Saint. He brought these, and his skills in machining design, setup, and quality control around the globe, assisting in the design and setup of manufacturing plants for Waring.
Dick was a resident of Tolland for over 60 years. He took his citizenship seriously and held a position on many of the Town Boards. On May 17, 1987, the Town of Tolland proclaimed a “Richard Pustinger Day” to recognize his many years of outstanding service to the Town.
The people who knew him, would describe him as a man of the utmost integrity. He gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. He was an eternal optimist, always choosing to see the good in whatever life presented to him. Even when his disease began to take it’s toll, he would sheepishly answer a question posed with “My memory is not doing me any favors, you know.”
He was and accomplished draftsman, and tool-maker. He loved carpentry and woodworking, and could fix anything. He will always be remembered for his love of his family, working around the apple farm, he had an affinity for old country singers like George Jones and Hank Snow and more obscure characters such as Spike Jones and Phil Harris.
Richard is survived by his children: Melinda (Jeff) Casey of Tolland, and Richard J. (Dana) Pustinger of Otis MA. His Grandchildren: Sheri Cooke, Shawn Casey, Krystal Casey, Ashlee Casey and Jeffrey Casey, and Bradley Pustinger. And his Great grandchildren: Jayden, Tyler, Madelynn, Treyton, Violet, Casper and Greyson. He was predeceased by his brother Johnny, and sisters Mary Roberts and Jeanne Reidy.
Calling Hours 11am – 12 Noon Saturday April 2, 2016 at the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home 624 College Highway (RT 10/202) Southwick MA. Funeral home service at 12:00 Noon. Burial with military honors will follow at the Tolland Center Cemetery, Rte 57 Tolland, MA01034
A Gathering with food and drinks will follow the Burial at The Tolland Safety Complex, 241 Granville Road (Route 57) Tolland MA 01034. Please bring your favorite photos and memories to share.
In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to one of his favorite charities:
Tolland Volunteer Fire Dept. Attn: Chief 206 West Granville Road, Tolland, MA 01034
The Granville-Tolland Dollars for Scholars 241 West Granville Rd, Tolland MA 01034
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. www.forastiere.com
