Richard “Dick” Wharton, a cherished father, grandfather, and member of the Darien community for over five decades, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, under the care of Autumn Lakes Healthcare in Norwalk. At the time of his passing, he was 85 years old.
Born in Sept. 7, 1938 in Long Branch, New Jersey, Dick was the beloved son of Carleton and Edna Wharton of Keyport, New Jersey.
He graduated from Keyport High School in his hometown and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Monmouth College, followed by an MBA from Fordham University.
Dick served with distinction as a major in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was recognized for outstanding performance and dedication to his duty as a platoon commander and executive officer.
Throughout his career, Dick held prominent roles, serving as senior vice president and board member at Direct Marketing Agency Inc., and as a division executive at Chase Manhattan Bank.
In high school, he began playing the trombone and continued for decades in bands like The Bob Button. A devoted and faithful member of Noroton Presbyterian Church, he could be found in his usual pew by the window. This past Easter, he especially loved joining in the Hallelujah Chorus.
His knuckleball and arm led him to a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.
He is survived by his two loving children, Todd Wharton (Jodi Wharton) of Whitefish, Montana, and Heather Stramandinoli (Todd Stramandinoli) of Darien, along with their mother, Sandra Peppet of Norwalk. He was the adored grandfather of William and Olivia Stramandinoli, Colby Wharton, and Pfc. Carson Wharton, USMC.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Carol Pollinger and June Feigenwinter. He was also predeceased by his father’s second wife, Mabel Wharton.
Pop lived one day at a time, proudly, for 35 years.
A memorial service celebrating Dick’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Noroton Presbyterian Church. A private burial will take place at a later date.
— an obituary from Lawrence Funeral Home, where online condolences may be left