Obituary of Richard "Dick" Ramsey

Dick Ramsey passed away on August 2nd surrounded by his loving family and loyal dog Toby while he listened to the peaceful sounds of the ocean waves. In the early morning hours, we watched over him as he kept fighting to be with us. We shared stories together, laughed with him, and remembered all the beautiful times we had on the water in the boat he built by hand, visiting Port Jefferson, fishing, watching the fireworks and enjoying delicious food. He was our captain, and we will miss him dearly. It will hurt that he is gone but we will hold on to him with joy in our hearts as we let him go off to the great wide sea. We will remember how he made us laugh and hope it will ease our hearts. We were lucky to have him up until the very last wave swept him gently away from us with the sound of wind chimes softly rustling a calming lullaby. 

Dick is survived by his loving wife Susan, daughters Krissy Ramsey and Catie Ramsey, son Todd Ramsey, his two brothers Robert Douglas Ramsey and Donald H. Ramsey and his loyal dog Toby.  He met his loving wife Susan in 1977 through his best friend Kenny Bateman who was married to Susan’s sister Barbara. Susan and Dick had two daughters and shared 38 years as a happily married couple.

He was born in Port Huron, Michigan the son of Elizabeth L. Ramsey and Robert Ramsey. Dick and his brothers grew up together sharing many adventures. They lived in Newport News, Virginia where he became a star swimmer and then moved to Maine for a brief time when their father got a job in a paper mill. Eventually, his family moved to Norwalk. He was so passionate about the water that he thought of himself as a fish and often said he must have been a dolphin in his previous life.   

He was an avid swimmer at Norwalk High School and a Junior Olympic Champion. For most of his life, he lived in Norwalk Connecticut and held the fastest 100 meter freestyle time at Norwalk High School for several decades. He was a family man, known as Dick, Dickie and Peter Pan. He was a creative entrepreneur who always loved working for and doing everything for himself right up until his last days. He could build something with or without plans. He made everything from model boats to one we all took out to sea, to his latest project, a camper. He loved being his own boss, and established a video production company called Action Video. He produced commercials for local businesses and shot professional videos for parties and weddings. His love for photography and the water inspired him to create a Guide to Long Island Sound that highlighted many harbors and light houses. He was the proud manager of the Imax Theatre at the Maritime Aquarium, where he worked for fifteen years, loved being and made dear friends. He was also a security guard and watched over Cove Marina, Rex Marine, and Yacht Haven where he previously worked in the ship store and as a yacht salesman.

He loved boating on Long Island Sound and gazing off at the sea from his truck. If he could choose anywhere to be it would be on the water rocking in the waves and enjoying his time with family. He took photographs all the way up the New England coastline and even started an online gallery at shutterboat.com His favorite places to visit were Maine, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and North Carolina where he took his family on vacations.

We held on through the storm wishing for calmer seas hoping for another chance to see your smile and feel your hand holding ours. Your sense of humor, huge smile, and laughter famously inspired everyone who knew you. If only we had more time to sail away, to visit Maine to go anywhere for an adventure. Your will was stronger than your body, and we know you wanted to be able to bring us somewhere, anywhere, where we could all make more memories.  We love you so very much.

We should all hope to have a heart as big as yours, a sense of humor to lift those around us like you always did, and a spirit that lives in the moment. Your laugh will never be forgotten because it came right from your soul. It was the laughter of the most genuine, most lovable man. Dick was a father who taught us to follow our passion, to think with our hearts, to be kind, and be happy, a friend who was loyal and generous, a dear husband and a wonderful brother who will be forever with us in our hearts.

Calling hours for friends and family will be at the Lacerenza Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 on Sunday, August 6th from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Philip RC Church, 1 Fr Conlon Place, Norwalk, CT  06851, on Monday, August 7th at 10:00 am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Dick’s memory. Donations can be made out to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water Street Norwalk, CT 06854 attention Dave Truedson. To leave an online condolence please visit www.lacerenzafh.com