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Richard Joseph Tonks, 78, of Brush Hill Road, Lyme, died June 22in Yale- New Haven Hospital after a brief illness.

Mr. Tonks was born on July 30, 1941 in Melrose, Massachusetts, the son of Alfred and Mary Tonks. He honorably served in the US Navy. He worked in sales for R.A. Graham of Worcester, Massachusetts and later in life for Landon Lumber of Madison.

He was an avid sports fan and in his earlier years coached Pop Warner Football in New Hampshire. When he moved to Connecticut he coached the Essex Little League Braves. Being a very civic minded person he participated in the Deep River Lions Club and was active in many fund-raising events.

Richard Tonks is survived by his wife Sally Tonks of Lyme, son Jay Tonks of Ivoryton, daughter Julie McDermott of Marlborough, and also by his six step-children Alicia Winalski, Jeffrey Morris, Curt Morris, Joel Morris, Ben Morris, and Jared Morris. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn Williams and brother Ralph Tonks.

He spent many moments with his twenty grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He will be missed.

To honor Richard Tonks’ wishes, services will be private. Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme, is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes. Donations may be made in his memory to the Deep River Lions Club.