Richard H. Bloomer

Richard “Dick” Hutcheson Bloomer died March 12, 2021, at his home in Willimantic, CT, with his dogs and longtime companion and travel partner Jan-Maya Schold at his side. He was 95.

Dick was born on New Year's Eve 1925 in Rochester, New York. He lived an adventurous and full life. As a boy he and Albert Einstein waved while sailing past each other on Saranac Lake. As a young man Dick worked in a canning factory (never serve him peas if you could help it). When of age Dick enlisted in the US Army, serving in World War II in both Europe and the Philippines. Upon completion of his service, the GI Bill took him to Columbia University in New York City, where he earned his master’s degree. A Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California eventually landed him a professorship at The University of Connecticut’s School of Education in the 60s from which he eventually retired, but the education and teaching continued throughout his life. Over the following years and many world travels Dick collected more degrees including a few Ph.D.s, and, more importantly, accumulated many friends, colleagues, wives, children and a working farm in his beloved Scotland, CT. Dick was a prolific and creative writer and wrote a number of books on education theory and his life adventures.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Dorotha Hutcheson Bloomer Bradley and Gifford Watson Bloomer, and his son Robert Reed Bloomer. He leaves behind his partner in life, Jan-Maya Schold; his sister Barbara Bloomer of Toronto; his children, Michael Bradford Bloomer, Jennifer Bloomer, Carrie Bloomer Chambers, and Joshua David Bloomer; grandchildren Jeffery, Amelia, Tessa, Henrietta, Cornelius, and Benjamin; great-grandchildren Mason and Zaiden; ex-wife and mother of his children, Carolyn Mitchell Bloomer; and an eclectic and beloved group of extended family and friends.

In this year of Covid-19, the family has decided to wait until summer for a memorial, Dick always liked a summer party anyway. We'll let you know. Please share your memories with us at https://www.potterfuneralhome.com/obituary/Richard-Bloomer.

In lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to, The Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley St, Willimantic, CT 06226.

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