Reverend Richard James Albamonti, Retired Priest of the Diocese of Norwich, Dies at 77
Reverend Richard James Albamonti, a retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich known for his faithful ministry, adventurous spirit and love for the sea, passed away unexpectedly at his home in New London on May 18.
Born May 6, 1949, in Norwich, Father Albamonti was the son of the late Dr. Mario Albamonti and Carole Albamonti. He graduated from Villanova University in 1971 before entering St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, to study for the priesthood.
Father Albamonti was ordained to the priesthood on Nov. 20, 1976, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. Throughout nearly five decades of ministry, he faithfully served parishes across eastern Connecticut, including assignments in Middletown, Pawcatuck, Dayville, Rogers, Coventry, Clinton and Westbrook.
A lifelong Red Sox fan, Father Albamonti always had a sense of adventure. Shortly after graduating from college, he and a roommate rode their motorcycles to Mexico and back, a journey that caused many hours of prayer in the Albamonti household.
It was his love of boating, however, that kept him busy in his off hours. A member of the Thames Yacht Club, Father Albamonti once completed a solo voyage from New London to Key West, Florida — a journey that reflected both his independence and adventurous spirit.
He is survived by his sisters, Karen Albamonti, Linda Albamonti and Susan Leber and her husband, Michael; his nieces, Nicole Leber Kwasniewski and Alexandra Leber; his nephew, Kevin Leber and his wife, Rebecca; and several great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral Arrangements
Visiting Hours: Friday, May 29, from 9-10 a.m.
Location: Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 211 Broadway, Norwich
Mass of Christian Burial: Immediately following visiting hours
Interment: St. Mary’s & St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 815 Boswell Ave., Norwich