Richard Thomas John Payne, of Branford, passed away on Jan. 9, 2024, following a brief illness.

Richard was born in New Haven on Aug. 23, 1960, the son of George and Georgia (née Milne) Payne. He was a lifelong resident of Branford, having grown up in the house his father built on Windmill Hill Road.

Having been born with Cerebral Palsy, Richard surmounted significant challenges in his life with grace, grit, and unfailing good humor. He was assisted in meeting his challenges by the unflagging support of his parents, SARAH, Inc., First Congregational Church of Branford, and The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia.

Richard was a 1978 graduate of Branford High School. He worked for several area restaurants and businesses, including the Brandenburg, the Hob-Nob, the Country Squire, and Bishops Orchards, prior to spending many years in the packaging department with Free Life International of Milford. Richard was active in numerous SARAH projects and activities and will especially be remembered for his dogged engagement with Special Olympics as a racewalker and cycler, winning numerous medals over the years, culminating in being named Connecticut Special Olympics “Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year” for 1985. Richard pursued varied leisure interests, including horseback riding, live theater, traveling to Broadway and Disneyworld, watching movies, solving puzzles, and was a keen fantasy and science fiction fan.

Richard was predeceased by his father, George Payne, and is survived by his mother, Georgia Payne. He is additionally survived by his brothers, Russell Payne (spouse, Therese Zocchi) and Douglas Payne (partner, Cathy Rascati); nieces, Heather Savino (spouse, Peter Savino) and Cori Payne; nephews, Christopher Payne (spouse, Jessica Tolman Payne) and Zachary Payne (partner, Crista Malenfant); along with great-niece, Lucille Payne. Richard is also survived by his long-time girlfriend, Nancy Geahm.

Richard will be remembered by friends, family, and residents and staff, past and present, of the SARAH Seneca program, as much for his courage and determination as for his generous and outgoing spirit.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the SARAH Foundation.