Greenwich Seeks To Honor Beloved Resident, Longtime Volunteer Who Recently Died

GREENWICH, CT — The Town of Greenwich is looking to honor one of its most impactful volunteers and beloved residents.

Residents Griff Harris and Debra Hess went before the Board of Selectmen last week to request the dedication of the Cos Cob Park pavilion in honor of Richard "Dick" Kriskey, who died on Sept. 13 at the age of 93.

Greenwich Parks & Recreation Director Joe Siciliano has been working with Harris, Hess, and Kriskey's family to come up with a way to honor him.

An idea that came up was renaming the pavilion at Cos Cob Park near the 9/11 monument in Kriskey's honor, and perhaps installing a plaque or engraving a rock with his name.

"Dick’s love for Greenwich ran deep. He understood its history, cherished its traditions, and truly believed in the importance of giving back. Over the decades, he devoted countless hours to public service," Harris said, noting a personal connection with the man he considered a dear friend and mentor.

"I've never seen a more ingratiating, kind, giving, and without question, the most generous person with his time," Harris added.

Kriskey was born in Greenwich, graduated from Greenwich High School, and later served in the U.S. Navy. He earned a degree in philosophy from Cathedral College and married the late Regina Franco on Jan. 14, 1967.

The couple started a family in Greenwich, and Kriskey joined the family business, Franco Brothers, Inc., a construction firm. The business later became Livingston Builders LLC, where Kriskey served as the managing partner/owner.

Kriskey served for six years on the Greenwich Board of Education and 10 years on the Board of Estimate and Taxation, including as chair. He also spent 16 years as chair of the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Kriskey was an early member of Greenwich Emergency Medical Services, helping establish the organization. He remained involved for more than 20 years, including as chair.

He also served on the Greenwich Library Board, was president of the Greenwich Lions Club and contributed his time and leadership to the Boy Scouts and Hill House.

As a justice of the peace, he likely officiated more than 100 weddings, including Harris'.

"Beyond his many accomplishments and years of service, however, Dick was simply a good person," Harris said, adding that Kriskey always greeted people with a smile, kindness, and a pat on the shoulder.

"You felt it," Harris said. "I'm getting a chill up my spine just talking about it. You felt his sincerity when he came to say hello; when he asked how you were doing, you knew he really meant it, and he really wanted to hear it. He was very special in that regard."

Hess, who spoke by phone, said that everyone thought they were Kriskey's best friend. That's just how he made people feel.

"He just had a way of making everyone around him feel noticed, listened to and special. I consider Dick more than a friend; he was like family to me," she added.

Harris and Hess said Cos Cob Park was the "perfect" location for a tribute.

"Cos Cob Park is also centrally located where he lived for the past 14 years and where he raised his family for more than three decades," Harris said. "A plaque at Cos Cob Park would be a lasting and fitting tribute to a man who experienced some of his greatest happiness on the water and gave so much of his life to the town he loved."

Hess said boating was important to Kriskey, so the location held meaning since it overlooks Long Island Sound.

Camillo said the cost for a plaque or engraving wouldn't be much, and he said the next steps would be to get advisory comments from the appropriate RTM committees.

Camillo spoke of his own relationship with Kriskey, recalling his kind and calm demeanor, especially when he was involved in politics several decades ago.

"Like everyone, he wasn't immune to being attacked [in politics], and he never held it against anyone. He always smiled, he'd shrug his shoulders and he'd move on," Camillo said. "He was a special guy. I strive to be like Dick Kriskey, and I hope to one day be half the man he was and how he dealt with things."

Siciliano said that Kriskey sat on the interview panel that hired him to work for the town in 1980.

"He's been a friend ever since, a good guy and a mentor and he provided guidance," Siciliano said. "I'm glad to work with Griff and Debra, and his family, to see if we can get this done."

Selectwoman Lauren Rabin said Kriskey always had a twinkle in his eye, like Santa Claus.

"He really did make you feel very special, no matter who you were," she said.

The selectmen did not take any action on the request and will revisit the item in two weeks to gather public feedback.