Obituaries

Rev. Richard Futie, 58, Dies While Vacationing in Mexico

Father Futie was a Greenwich native who served Catholic parishes in Stamford for many years.


Rev. Richard Francis Futie died on Aug. 25, 2013 while on vacation in Mexico. He was 58.

Father Futie was an active leader in the ministries he served, and his warm spirit, strong sense of humor and hopeful message continues to inspire all of those who knew him.

The Greenwich native graduated in 1974 from the former St. Mary High School in Greenwich, Father Futie began what would become a lifelong pursuit in the world of theology. He would continue on to receive his Associate of Arts degree from St. Thomas Seminary, a bachelor’s degree of history from the Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception Seminary, and ultimately be ordained June 26, 1982 at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport. Father Futie went on to study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and earned his theological degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He would later return to Rome to receive doctoral studies in canon law.

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After many years devoted towards his studies, Father Futie served as vicar for three parishes, and in 1995 was named pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Stamford. He would serve there for 12 years, gathering a loyal congregation through his powerful sermons and local activism. His integrity and strong reputation earned him the title of police chaplain of Stamford in 1998, as well as fleet chaplain for the Stamford Yacht Club in 1999.

After faithfully serving St. Mary’s, Father Futie was named pastor of Stamford’s Sacred Heart Church in 2007. Many in Stamford remember the eloquent and grief stricken tribute he paid to U.S. Navy Seal Brian Bill in 2011, when the Bronze Star winner passed away in Afghanistan. Fr. Futie had been a friend of the Bill family who were parishioners at St. Cecelia Parish.

It was at this time that Futie began to actively support and guide disabled veterans and aspiring Navy SEALs, he also worked with the Wounded Warriors. 

Father Futie spent his life devoted towards his ministry, but always found time for family, friends, and anyone in need of guidance.

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He is survived by his parents Benjamin and Marguerite; siblings Tracy and Lawrence; nephews Zachary and Jake, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

His love of life and unbreakable hope brought joy to all of those who were fortunate enough to know him. 

Father Futie will lie in state at Sacred Heart Church in Stamford from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. 

A Vigil Mass will be held at the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, Atlantic Street, in Stamford at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held  at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist in Stamford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project PO BOX 758517 Topeka, KS 66675


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