Richard "Rick" Joseph Vaughan

Richard Joseph “Rick” Vaughan passed away on November 20, 2025, peacefully and surrounded by his closest loved ones after a long, hard-fought fight with pancreatic cancer. Born on May 27, 1952, in Doonbeg, County Clare, Ireland, he was the son of the late Richard Vaughan and Margaret (Naughton) Vaughan.

Rick was a devoted husband, having shared 42 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Cathy Ellen Vaughan (deceased). Their life together was a testament to loyalty, laughter, and steadfast partnership.

A loving father, Rick is survived by his three children: Kristina (David) Danehower of Bristol, Maine; Megan (John) Duffy of Stamford, Connecticut; and Michael (Allison) Vaughan of Stamford. He was deeply proud of his three grandchildren: John and Kiera Duffy of Stamford, and Anya Vaughan-Wood of Brooklyn, New York.

Rick’s family extended far beyond his immediate circle. He is survived by his siblings: Mary O’Brien of Ruislip, England; Patricia (Tony) Muffet of Bristol, England; John (Maura) Vaughan of Doonbeg, County Clare; Ann (Joseph) Whelan of Kilrush, County Clare; Philip (Marian) Vaughan of Doonbeg; Thomas (Yvonne) Vaughan of Brandon, Florida; and Helen Hurst of Kilkee, County Clare, as well as 28 nieces and nephews.

In the early 1970s, Rick immigrated to the United States, making Stamford, Connecticut his home for over 30 years, before later moving to Stratford. Though he built his life here, his love for Ireland remained strong; he returned often to his native County Clare to reconnect with family and celebrate his heritage.

Professionally, Rick dedicated 33 years to the Engineering Department at Stamford Hospital, while also running a contracting business that reflected his passion for craftsmanship and quality.

Rick’s passions went beyond his work. He was an aviation enthusiast—earning his pilot’s license in Danbury, Connecticut, in the 1980s—and actively participated in several local flying clubs. He regularly attended major air shows, including Sun ’n Fun in Florida and Oshkosh in Wisconsin. Rick also loved cars and attending local car shows, building model airplanes, and helicopters, and spending peaceful hours watching planes take off from Sikorsky Airport, especially from the Windsock Inn in Stratford.

He was deeply involved in his community and was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, serving on its board with dedication and where he made many lifelong friends.

Rick’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible doctors and nurses at Stamford Hospital and the Bennett Cancer Center, whose unwavering care and compassion supported him throughout his illness.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10:00 A.M at St. Clement of Rome Parish, 535 Fairfield Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at Long Ridge Union Cemetery, Erskine Road, Stamford. The burial is open to all who wish to pay their respects; however, after the burial, the gathering will be private for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests making a donation to the Stamford Hospital Foundation in his loving memory.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Rick’s warmth, craftsmanship, and love for family and friends will continue to live on in the stories we share and the memories we hold dear. Sláinte!