Richard J. Zuraw, of Clinton died Oct. 18 after a long battle with Huntington’s disease. He was born in Derby on June 13, 1951, the second son of Samuel and Catherine (Boyko) Zuraw.

He attended schools in Shelton, and graduated from Gettysburg College. Rich received both his master’s degree in social work and 6th year degree from the University of Connecticut. Richard spent his entire professional career working in Regional District 4, for 35 years, both as a social worker and assistant principal at both the Middle and High School. He was selected as “Teacher of the Year” in 1988 in his district.

Richard is survived by his brother Robert Zuraw and his wife Sandra of Shelton; niece Alexis Cornut and her husband Shawn, and their children Samantha and Shawn, Jr.; and nephew Lucas Zuraw and his partner Victoria and her daughter Ava. He also leaves many cousins and friends from all over the country.

The family would like to think the entire staff of Gladeview Rehabilitation Center for the outstanding care they provided and many thanks to the wonderful hospice staff at Middlesex Hospital.

Calling hours were on Oct. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Swan Funeral Home in Clinton. A Funeral Mass was held on Oct. 26 at St. Mary of the Visitation in Clinton. Interment was on Oct. 29 at Saint Peter and Paul Cemetery in Ansonia. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Valley Shore Animal Rescue League, 647 Horse Hill Rd., Westbrook, CT 06498, or Saint Peter and Paul Church, 105 Clifton Ave., Ansonia, CT 06401. For an online guestbook and condolences, please visit www.swanfh.com.