04/28/2026
Richard H. Abbey, beloved husband of Judith A. Abbey, was born on August the 10th, 1946, in New London, Connecticut, the second youngest of five children to Donald and Pearl Abbey of Groton.
Those who knew Rich understood that his life truly began in 1965, when he fell in love with the woman who would become his wife and lifelong companion. A man of many trades and many hats, Rich poured his skill and curiosity into everything he touched — from go‑karts and hot rods to model cars, submarines, home projects, and his cherished train sets. He built additions onto his home, constructed his own garage from the ground up using recycled materials, and created the seawall at Seaside in Waterford with his late father in law, Francis Leiper.
Gifted with both compassion and remarkable spatial intelligence, Rich faced every adversity with quiet strength. Above all his talents, he was born and built to be an extraordinary husband, a devoted father, and a fierce lover of animals.
Rich dedicated 32 years to Electric Boat, working across numerous roles and shifts. He was known for his steady hands, patience, and kindness toward the thousands of colleagues he encountered over the decades. He never allowed himself to be defined by hardship; instead, he met life with dexterity, perseverance, and an unwavering work ethic. In his final 15 years, he enjoyed a well‑earned retirement with his wife, finally able to dive into the hobbies he had collected and cherished for so long.
He is predeceased by his eldest daughter, Donna Combs, his brother Wayne Abbey, his mother-in-law and father-in-law and his beloved cousin Joseph Bromley Sr. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Judy, who was the center of his world. Rich is survived by his sister Priscilla Cook, her husband Robert, and their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as the children of his late brother Wayne. He is also survived by his cousin Joseph Bromley Jr., his wife Daniela, and their children. Julie Bromley, her husband David and Julie’s children, and grandchildren. Carrying forward his legacy of compassion, kindness, love for animals, and devotion to family are his daughters, Peggy Muckle, her husband Chris, and their children Joshua and Briana of Waterford, Teri Bakowski, and her husband Michael of New London and Debra Abbey, and her son Wyatt Lewis of Montville. Rich also leaves behind his cherished English Springer Spaniel, Josie “Jo‑Jo,” and two beloved golden retriever granddogs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sweet Serenity Center for Humane Education, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the human–animal bond with positive reinforcement education. Contributions can be made at sweetserenitycenter.org.
Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring Rich’s life on Saturday May 30, 2026 from 12:00–3:00 PM at Sweet Serenity Center for Humane Education 64 Shingle Mill Road Salem, CT 06420. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.adamscremationct.com
