Richard B. Hobby

Richard B. Hobby, 96, of Mansfield, died Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was the son of the late George and Florence (Burhoe) Hobby. He was a member of the First Church of Christ, Mansfield Center. Richard worked for 30 years at UCONN in the food service department before he retired. He also served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-17 Flight Engineer and Turrett Gunner. He authored the recently published book, The Flying Fortress, which chronicles his heroic experiences in World War II, including two crash landings, one of which left him MIA for several months. Richard especially enjoyed traveling the U.S. and Canada with his brother, Raymond. He delighted in sharing lunch and fellowship with his dear friends at the Mansfield Senior Center. He is survived by his adoring cousins Maryann Hobby, Kathy Saunders, Chris Koval, Amanda Splendorio, George Jacobsen, Owen Jacobsen, Godson Travis Jacobsen, Goddaughter Paula Heinzman; and special friend Butch Roberts. He was predeceased by his brother Raymond Hobby and cousins Edgar Hobby and Lillian Merrill. His family will receive friends and relatives from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, September 4, 2015 with a service at 2:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. Rev. Tim Saunders will officiate. Burial will follow at Storrs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard's name to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .