Richard Kevin Edwards
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Richard Kevin Edwards of New Britain passed from this life at the Hospital of Central CT on Dec 4, 2020. He was born in Skewen, Wales on July 14, 1957 the son of Gwyn Edwards and Maureen nee Curtis and the stepson of Brinley Jones. He came to the U.S. in 1981 to attend graduate school. He was a graduate of the University of Wales in Cardiff and received his Master's Degree from the University of New Hampshire in sociology. He was a professor of sociology at Pine Manor College in Boston and Tunxis Community College from which he retired in June of this year after over twenty years of service. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he sang in various choirs in his younger years and was the author of several published short stories. A scholar of Celtic civilization, history and culture, he travelled extensively in Wales, Ireland and Brittany as well as to other European nations plus Australia and South America. Richard was a music lover, and enjoyed creative photography and cooking, frequently exploring exotic cuisines. Additionally, he was interested in other languages and spoke Welsh, Italian and French. He was a great fan of the Eurovision Song Contest, the Boston Red Sox and the Swansea City, Wales football team. He was known for his friendly demeanor and kind, generous and compassionate spirit.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his mother and stepfather of Skewen, a sister Gayle Lewis of Neath Abbey, Wales, a brother Robert Edwards, two nieces Delyth Edwards of Skewen and Gwen Lewis of Neath Abbey. He was predeceased by a sister Helen Edwards. He also leaves many longtime friends in the U.S. and Europe including Jon Shea, Roger Bencivenga, Lauren Pivnick, Nora Burns, Jennifer Greenwood and many others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His absence is a silent grief, his life a beautiful memory.
Private services are under the care of the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Burritt Hill, New Britain. Richard's ashes will be inurned at Worm's Head on the Gower Peninsula in his native Wales and also in his adopted home, New Britain. A memorial service to celebrate his life will take place at some point in the future after the passing of the coronavirus pandemic. Gorffwys mewn hedd annwyl gyfaill. To share a message of sympathy, visit www.duksa.net