Richard Pruitt

Cheshire ' Richard Pruitt Sr., 64, beloved husband of Doreen (Lilya) Pruitt, passed away Sunday June 7, 2009 at Mid-State Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Rich was born April 11, 1945 in Meriden, the son of the late William Pruitt and Helen (Krezel) Borowy. He was a longtime Cheshire resident, was a Vietnam Army Veteran, and was a member of the V.F.W. Post #9965 in Yalesville. He was an avid car enthusiast and his prized possession was his 1970 Chevy Nova SS. He also enjoyed traveling and fishing. Most of all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved to spend time with his family.

Besides his wife of 42 years, Rich is survived by his son Richard Pruitt Jr. and his fianc Nina of Cheshire; his daughter Laurie Partyka and her husband Alex III of Southington, and their sons, Kyle and Alex IV; his daughter Michelle Pruitt and her fianc Kevin of Cheshire; his brother Henry "Hank" Pruitt of Durham; his nephew Craig Pruitt, his wife, Nicole and their son Caleb of Middletown, Rhode Island, and several other nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Rich was predeceased by his father-in-law, Eric Lilya, his mother-in-law, Eleanor Lilya, two brothers, Michael and William (Sonny) Pruitt and a sister, Alice Stender.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kathleen Bober-Sorcinelli and staff of the Mid-State Medical Cancer Center, and all of the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff of the Mid-State Medical Critical Care Unit and Pavilion B for their care of Rich.

Arrangements - Funeral services will be held on Friday June 12, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. Burial will follow in the Cheshire Street Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Richard Pruitt Sr. Memorial Grandchildren's Scholarship Fund c/o TD Banknorth, 921 Meriden Waterbury Road, Plantsville, CT 06479, Attn: C. DeSorbo.