Richard W. Budnick, 48, loved music, remembered for his big heart

Richard W. Budnick,  48, of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Stratford, Conn., died in his sleep on July 5, 2015. He was born June 26, 1967 in Bridgeport, Conn., to Ronald and Patricia (Friborg) Budnick. He was predeceased by his long-time partner Bill Robinson in July 2012.

Richard Budnick

Richard W. Budnick

Mr. Budnick, known as Rick to friends and family, graduated from Eastern Connecticut University and SABA Medical School. He worked many different jobs, including personal trainer, intern, salesman, printer, group home leader and entertainer.

Mr. Budnick loved music and taught himself how to play guitar. Growing up and in college, he was involved in many plays and musicals, including Lil Abner and Oliver. He performed in the Wizard of Oz as the Tin Man and as B.F. Schlegel in Carnival. At The Strand in Seymour, Conn., Mr. Budnick was Mr. Welch in Damn Yankees and Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie.

He also appeared in Musicals at Richter in Danbury as Protean in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

On Sept 11, 2001 and for several days afterward, he volunteered with other medical personnel at the site of the World Trade Center destruction in New York City. Mr. Budnick was a member of the Metropolitan Community Church choir in Las Vegas. He was always helping those in need in his community. He had a big heart, and friends at the American Village will miss him.

He was predeceased by his father, Ronald, an infant brother, Christopher, and cousin, Jared.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia Budnick, of Chester, Vt., a brother, Robert Budnick, and his wife, Sharon, of Seymour, Conn.; and a sister, Christina (Budnick) Smith, and her husband, Douglas, of Bellows Falls, Vt. Other survivors include nephews Bryan, William and Joseph Budnick and niece Marissa Smith; Aunt Barb Creighton and her husband Tom; Uncle Gary Budnick and his wife Sandi; and Uncle Doug Friborg; and cousins Kathy Creighton, Deb (Budnick) Blomgren, Brian Budnick and Karen Budnick

A private family service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5. A Celebration of Life picnic will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept.6 at the Motel in the Meadow in Chester, and all are invited.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to:

Chester-Andover Family Center
P.O. Box 302
Chester, VT 05143

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  1. Patricia Budnick says:

    Thank you. He was great guy!

  2. carol sm says:

    My heart goes out to you Pat. I would love To have known him.
    May God be with you.

    Carol Smith Sheehan