Jay Curtis Richland, 60, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 20, 2015 at home. Jay was born on June 10, 1955 to John J. Richland and Joyce A. Richland who pre-deceased him. He is survived by his wife, Colleen Richland and his children Cara Richland, Jayme Richland, Daniel Richland, Tracy Henry, Allison LeClerc and her husband Nick, his granddaughter, Julia LeClerc and grandson, Daniel Richland Jr. He is also survived by 7 brothers: Randy Richland and his wife Lorraine, Scott Richland, Kent Richland, Jeff Richland and his wife, Tamara, Spencer Richland, Jon Richland, Brett Richland and his wife Samran and 1 sister, Julie Caruccio and her husband, Paul and a host of nieces and nephews.
Jay was the owner of Jay Richland Appliance in Burlington, a business run by he and his wife and a trade he learned from his father who formerly owned Richland Appliance.
Jay was an avid boater who loved fishing and was a member of the Champlain Marina, where he and his wife spent their summers on their boat. He has always been surrounded by a community of friends at the Marina and through his many years playing for bands around the Burlington area. He started out as a drummer at the age of 15 and drumming became a passion that he pursued for the next 45 years of his life. He became well-known around the Burlington area playing in bands like The New Generation, The Instigators and The FRAANK band, to name a few. He was still performing even up until the night before he passed away.
His greatest joys were spending time with his family and friends, laughing and reminiscing about old times. He loved to tell stories and “talk shop” and will always be known for his contagious smile and warm demeanor.
There are no words to describe how much he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A beautiful light has gone out of our lives and the world will be a dimmer place without his presence.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 1pm at the Champlain Marina on West Lake Shore Drive in Colchester, VT. Parking will be available behind Mazza’s store. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Toys for Tots Foundation.
This article appears in BTV — Summer 2015.