NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Richard Arthur Strout passed away peacefully Saturday, April 28, after a long battle with heart disease.

He was born in Livermore on Jan. 5, 1934, to Basil Strout and Iris Lord Strout. He made his home in New Britain and Bristol, Conn.

He worked as a truck driver and mechanic until his retirement. He always enjoyed helping others out, loved telling jokes and stories. His favorite saying when kids were over: ”When Grandpa goes to bed, everyone goes to bed!”

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Louise Strout; his children Cathy Monroe and husband, Dick, Shirley Passalaque and Rick, Bambi Strout, Rick Strout and Jill, Melinda Buck and Jim, Lori Vincent, Ben (Buddy) Strout and Becky, also, Debbi Pampero Camorra and Fred, Brian Pampero and Jayne, Linda Boucher, Carol Jones and Martin; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother, George Strout, of Ohio; and sister, Beverly McFarland.

He was predeceased by parents Basil and Iris Strout; sisters Arlene Peterson and Louise Fields.

Thank you to Diana Raymond for the loving care she provided.

Richard A. Strout