Rich Vasseur Passes Away
Richard P. Vasseur
Monday, September 23rd, 1963 – Tuesday, July 30th, 2024
Richard P. Vasseur, of Ellington, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 60 while vacationing with his girlfriend Crystal Foti, in his favorite place, Wildwood Crest, NJ. Born on September 23, 1963, in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Gilbert N. Vasseur, Sr. and Louise (Egan) Vasseur. Rich was a beloved figure in the racing world and a cherished member of the Vasseur family.
Rich grew up in the Hazardville section of Enfield, Connecticut. Following his graduation from Enrico Fermi High School in 1981, Rich built a life in Ellington, Connecticut, where he had resided since 1994.
Rich’s racing career was marked by significant achievements. In the 1990s, he became a prominent driver in New England, winning races at Riverside Park Speedway, Stafford Speedway, and Monadnock Speedway. His post-racing career as a car owner was also noteworthy, with driver and close friend Brian Sullivan achieving an SK Light Modified Track Championship in 2020.
Rich worked alongside his brother Gil at Vasseur Landscaping. His dedication to his daughter, Nicole, who followed in his racing footsteps, was a source of great pride for him.
Rich is survived by his girlfriend, Crystal Foti of Ellington and her son Frankie; his daughter, Nicole Royce and her husband Mike; his former wife, Ann Vasseur; his siblings, Gilbert N. Vasseur, Jr. (Janis) and their daughter Heather Vasseur Lallo (Jeff), Patricia Bednarz (Hank) and their children, Margo Cicciarella (Frank) and John Bednarz (Stephanie), William Vasseur, Anne-Marie Buck (Wayne) and their children, Ashley Hurley (Jamie) and Travis Buck (Christina), and Jane Zbikowski (Dan) and their children, Matthew and Katie Zbikowski; his great-nieces and great-nephews, and extended family. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his niece, Heidi Vasseur Vaughan.
His family will receive friends on Sunday, August 4, from 2:00-6:00 pm at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. Overflow parking for the visitation will be available with a provided shuttle bus at the Eli Whitney School parking lot, Olmstead Rd., Enfield. His Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Church, 426 Hazard Ave., Enfield (PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY AT THE CHURCH). Burial will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Enfield. Memorial donations may be made to Tunnels To Towers Foundation. Click here to donate online.
For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.
Rich will be remembered for his passion for racing, his unwavering loyalty to family and friends, and his larger-than-life personality. His memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact he made in his community.
Sources: Leete-Stevens Family Funeral Homes