Richard P. Borla

Richard P. Borla 80, a lifelong resident of Torrington, CT, peacefully passed away on Friday, August 30, 2019, surrounded by his family at his residence.  He was the beloved husband of Annesa (Jacob) Borla for 59 years.

Richard was born January 8, 1939, in Torrington, son of the late William and Philomena (DiFrancesco) Borla.  He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve, and was employed by Pratt & Whitney as a Tool & Die Maker from 1966 until his retirement on June 1, 2019.  He loved music, nature, learning and his work and he instilled these values in his children.

He and his wife, Annesa, were high school sweethearts that met in the Torrington High School band.   He was a trumpet virtuoso and traveled with The St. Peter’s Drum Corps to perform in the Fireman’s Parades.  He was a master in his field and a lifelong learner.  Curious his entire life he loved to read and could speak on any subject.   Though quiet and soft spoken, he only shared his knowledge when he had something extraordinary to contribute.   He loved his job at Pratt & Whitney where he worked for 52 years and in his time off he loved being in nature, hunting, fishing and gardening.  He took his kids fishing and for walks around Burr Pond.  He always made sure that his children had a bicycle to ride and a musical instrument to play.   His children always knew how much he loved them and each one was certain that they were his favorite.  That love was also showered on his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all the children in his life.  At his core, he was a man of service, always there for whomever needed him without question.  He could fix anything and if he did not have the right tool for the job he would make it.   Never one to waste a minute, on his long commutes to work, he would listen to The Great Courses, classes on CD.   He loved music including classical, jazz, pop, bluegrass and rock.  He attended countless concerts performed by his kids and grandkids and was known to attend an occasional rock concert with his sons.

In addition to his wife Annesa, he is survived by their children, Richard A. Borla and his wife Mariola of Farmington, CT, John D. Borla and his wife Phuong of West Hartford, CT, Mary Malley and her husband Christopher of Boulder, CO, Karen Borla of West Hartford, CT, Michael Borla and his wife Laura of Ivoryton, CT, Christine Altman of Torrington, CT; Richard Vinisko and his wife Amy of Bantam, CT, Joanne Keller and her husband Daniel of Torrington, CT, Melissa Musselman and her husband Brad of Virginia Beach, VA; two brothers, William C. Borla and his wife Mary Ann of Torrington, Arthur F. Borla and his wife Sheila of Winsted, CT; one sister, Carol B. Ellis of Mystic, CT; fourteen grandchildren, Amanda, Holly, Samuel, Aaron, Jaden, Ivy, India, Max, Jackson, Julia, Margaret, Emma, Alexa, Amber; brothers-in-law Maron Jacob of Torrington, CT, George Jacob and his wife Karen of Colebrook, CT,  John Jacob and his wife Bethann of Torrington, CT; one sister-in-law, Rosemary Jacob of Torrington, CT; Linda and Eugene Moore, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, coworkers and many very special friends.  He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Margaret and James Vinisko whose children he and Annesa loved and cherished as their own, and sister-in-law Susan (Riley) Jacob wife of Maron.

The family would like to thank the countless people who took care of him in his final months and throughout his illness.

The Divine Liturgy of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maron’s Church, 613 Main St., Torrington, CT.  Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Maron’s Church   Burial will follow at St. Francis New Cemetery, Torrington.  Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home., 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, 33 East Main St., Torrington, CT 06790 or St Maron’s Church Building Fund, 613 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790.  .Condolences may be sent to the Borla family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com