Richard A. Tonne

WATERBURY — Richard “Rich” Allen Tonne, 65, passed away unexpectedly in late July 2012 at his home on Blush Hill in Waterbury.

Richard was born Jan. 5, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was the firstborn son of Lauren E. and Constance M. (Penn) Tonne and the grandson of Dr. Joseph and Sadie Jackson, of Barre. He lived in Iowa until 1962, when his family moved to Barre. He attended Spaulding High School, graduating in 1966.

From there, he moved to Massachusetts where he attended Bentley College in Boston majoring in accounting. He then worked at the Bank of Boston in Boston until he moved to Provincetown, Mass., where, for several years, he co-owned and managed The White Wind Guest House.

He later moved to New York City where he worked at the Chase Manhattan Bank until 1984, when he returned to Barre.

In January of 1985, he started work in the Retirement Planning Department at the National Life Insurance Co. in Montpelier. He retired from there in January of 2006.

After retirement, he served on the board of the condominiums where he lived and also served as president of the board. He volunteered and did some accounting at the local food bank and volunteered as a support person for people with prostate cancer.

Before his failing health took much of his time and energy, he loved spending time with his friends, the cinema, concerts, Broadway musicals, museums and fine dining. He especially enjoyed visiting Newport, R.I., and going sailing there. He was described by his friends as a very personable man, polite, charming, and gracious and a pleasure to be around.

Richard is survived by his brother David Tonne, of Barre. He was predeceased by his brother Lauren “Eddie” Tonne.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held in October with the date to be announced later. Inurnment will be in the Jackson family plot in the Elmwood Cemetery in Barre.

The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre, is in charge of arrangements.