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Richard “Dick” Sederquist Obituary
Dick Sederquist passed away on May 23, 2026. He was born in Boston, MA, February 20, 1938, the son of Carl and Hazel Sederquist formerly from Melrose, MA, and later from Wethersfield, CT. A graduate of Melrose High School, a BSME from Tufts University and MSME from RPI Hartford Graduate Center, Dick worked for 38 years as an engineer at United Technology Corporation on rocket motors, alternative energy and fuel cells. After retirement, he worked over fifteen years as an engineering consultant in the alternative energy field, holding over 60 US patents in related fields. In 2009, he became a volunteer motivational speaker for the Connecticut Department of Correction, creating and conducting a successful mentoring program “Life Change Discussion Group” for over 200 inmates at the Enfield, Osborn, Bridgeport and Cheshire Correctional Institutions.
Dick and his wife, Linda, have climbed all the 4,000-foot peaks in New England, and with his son, the hundred highest peaks in New England and 97 of the highest peaks in New York. Dick is the author of five memoirs Hiking Out (2007), Inside and Outside (2011), Hiking Out Again (2021), Talking a Walk (2022), and Bent But Not Broken. These memoirs, depicting life as seen through the eyes of a hiker, surviving depression, humor, travel, his 10-year prison ministry, aging, and living with and overcoming the physical issues associated with decreased mobility. Dick and his wife Linda have been active members of the Universalist Church of West Hartford, CT, since1997.
Dick is survived by his best friend and wife, Linda, married since 1961; his daughter Karen Cole and her husband Steven of Madison, CT, and their two children, Michael and his wife Mary and daughter Cora, Lauren and her husband Andy; his son Jeffrey and his wife Kathi Krivanec Sederquist of Harwinton, CT, and their two children, Morgan and Christopher, his brother Dr. Robert Sederquist and his wife Elaine of Harwinton, CT, and their two children and their families. He also leaves his extended family of hiking “Clowns” a group of devoted friends he has been hiking and snow shoeing with since 1974.
A Memorial Service will be held on June 7th, 2026 (11:30am) at the Universalist Church, 433 Fern St, West Hartford, CT. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or to support the community works of the Universalist Church of West Hartford, Connecticut.
Born on February 23, 1946, in Hartford, Connecticut, David spent most of his life in Rocky Hill, where he built a home, raised a family, and became a cherished member of the community. He graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford and proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for more than 20 years.
David dedicated over 40 years of his career to Eversource, where he was respected for his hard work, reliability, and commitment. Outside of work, he had a passion for woodworking and home improvement. Whether crafting something with his hands or working on his home, David found joy in creating and fixing things. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and there were few projects he couldn’t tackle.
A man of deep faith and service, David devoted countless hours volunteering to help build St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Rocky Hill, a labor of love that reflected his generous spirit and dedication to his community. He remained actively involved with the church for many years and later became a devoted member of the Universalist Church of West Hartford, where he continued to build meaningful friendships and serve others.
David will be remembered most for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. He never hesitated to give his time, talents, or encouragement to family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. His gentle nature, warm smile, and selfless heart touched the lives of many.
Nothing brought David greater happiness than his family. He especially treasured watching his two grandsons grow up and was a familiar face at nearly every sporting event, school activity, and milestone in their lives. His love and pride for them were evident to all who knew him.
David was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Donna Wadstrup; his son, David Vadstrup, and his partner, Ellen Hubbard; his son, Michael Wadstrup, and his wife, Carmen Wadstrup; and his cherished grandsons, David Wadstrup and Luke Wadstrup. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and fellow church members who will miss his compassion, wisdom, and quiet strength.
David’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless acts of kindness and service that defined his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Dave asked to be buried at sea; there will be no memorial service.
Dick Sederquist passed away on May 23, 2026. He was born in Boston, MA, February 20, 1938, the son of Carl and Hazel Sederquist formerly from Melrose, MA, and later from Wethersfield, CT. A graduate of Melrose High School, a BSME from Tufts University and MSME from RPI Hartford Graduate Center, Dick worked for 38 years as an engineer at United Technology Corporation on rocket motors, alternative energy and fuel cells. After retirement, he worked over fifteen years as an engineering consultant in the alternative energy field, holding over 60 US patents in related fields. In 2009, he became a volunteer motivational speaker for the Connecticut Department of Correction, creating and conducting a successful mentoring program “Life Change Discussion Group” for over 200 inmates at the Enfield, Osborn, Bridgeport and Cheshire Correctional Institutions.
Dick and his wife, Linda, have climbed all the 4,000-foot peaks in New England, and with his son, the hundred highest peaks in New England and 97 of the highest peaks in New York. Dick is the author of five memoirs Hiking Out (2007), Inside and Outside (2011), Hiking Out Again (2021), Talking a Walk (2022), and Bent But Not Broken. These memoirs, depicting life as seen through the eyes of a hiker, surviving depression, humor, travel, his 10-year prison ministry, aging, and living with and overcoming the physical issues associated with decreased mobility. Dick and his wife Linda have been active members of the Universalist Church of West Hartford, CT, since1997.
Dick is survived by his best friend and wife, Linda, married since 1961; his daughter Karen Cole and her husband Steven of Madison, CT, and their two children, Michael and his wife Mary and daughter Cora, Lauren and her husband Andy; his son Jeffrey and his wife Kathi Krivanec Sederquist of Harwinton, CT, and their two children, Morgan and Christopher, his brother Dr. Robert Sederquist and his wife Elaine of Harwinton, CT, and their two children and their families. He also leaves his extended family of hiking “Clowns” a group of devoted friends he has been hiking and snow shoeing with since 1974.
A Memorial Service was held on June 7th, 2026
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or to support the community works of the Universalist Church of West Hartford, Connecticut.
Scot Haney keeps Connecticut updated with the most-accurate weather forecasts especially tailored to the morning commute.You can see Scot weekdays on Eyewitness News This Morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m., He also co-hosts “Better Connecticut” weekdays on Channel 3 at 3 p.m.
Scot’s warm personality and enjoyable character are a welcome addition to the Channel 3 Early Warning Weather team.
Before joining Channel 3 in November 1998, Scot earned his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in New York City, his master’s degree at Syracuse University and has taken the required number of courses according to the American Meteorological Society to qualify as a meteorologist.
Most of his coursework was done at Stony Brook University in Long Island, N.Y.Scot has always wanted to take part in television, but first held many jobs before he decided to return to school in 1990. Shortly afterward, Scot got his first on-air job in Topeka, Kan., as a weekend weatherman and a weekday general assignment reporter.
His contributions to the community include volunteering at various events — whether it’s helping organizations raise money for a cure or spending time with children — Scot makes a personal commitment to help anyway he can.
In 2007, My Sisters’ Place honored Scot with the organization’s “Advocate Award” for “his extraordinary effort in bringing attention to important causes through hundreds of personal appearances each year.
Scot received the 2003 American Red Cross Service Award and The Hartford Advocate honored him as the Best News Personality in Connecticut for 12 consecutive years.
There are too many great things about this job to just pick one, but if I had to pick, it’s having a positive influence on the viewers,” Scot said. Scot spends his free time with his cats — Sarah, Dash and Jake.
Education
- St. John’s University
- Master’s degree at Syracuse University
- Stony Brook University
Dale A. Merrill is currently the Dean of The Hartt School and the Hartford Art School. He is also a member of the HCD dance faculty at University of Hartford. Prior to joining Hartt, he was the dean of the College of the Arts at Cal State Fullerton.
Prior to joining CSUF, Merrill created a highly competitive dance department and was instrumental in the formation of the College of Performing Arts at Chapman University, where he served as both associate dean and dean. His former Chapman students include So You Think You Can Dance contestants Katee Shean, Ade Obayomi and Stephen Boss, aka “Twitch”. Other former students are now performing with the National Touring Company of Wicked and the modern dance companies Momix, Shen Wei Dance Arts, Batsheva and Damagedance. He was one of the founding members and artistic director of Spectrum Dance Theater, a professional dance company and community arts organization in Seattle. Dean Merrill directed and re-staged works by noted choreographers such as Ann Reinking, Margo Sappington, Dwight Rhoden, Lar Lubovitch, Daniel Ezralow, and Lynne Taylor-Corbett.
Dean Merrill has over 25 years of choreographic and teaching credits, including numerous original works, musical theater productions, and a public television special. He has been a guest teacher for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Backhausdance, Anaheim Ballet, Cornish College of the Arts, University of Washington, University of California, Irvine, University of Montana, Saint Joseph Ballet, Washington Contemporary Ballet, Ballet Bellevue, Montana Dance Arts Association, Black Hills Dance Association, and The American College Dance Festival. Dean Merrill currently serves as a site-evaluator for accreditation for the National Association of Schools of Dance and serves as a member of the Visual and Performing Arts Standards Advisory Committee for the California State Board of Education.
Recognized for his community leadership, Merrill received a 2001 Rudy, a national award presented by Safeco Insurance Company for community leadership and advocacy. The following year, he was honored with the prestigious Corporate Council for the Arts’ Unsung Hero Award.
Merrill earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ballet from the University of Utah and a Master of Fine Arts in dance from the University of Washington.
Bryan T. Cafferelli was appointed Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) in March 2023. From January 2019 to his appointment as commissioner, Mr. Cafferelli served as legal counsel of the Connecticut Senate Republican Office where he was responsible for providing counsel to senators and caucus staff with legal and legislative matters, including drafting processes, procedures, and policy.
Previously, he served as a drug control attorney for DCP from April of 2017 to January of 2019. In this position, he was responsible for managing the agency’s prescription drug enforcement cases, including all aspects of administrative action, rulemaking processes, and statutory and regulatory development. He has also previously worked as special deputy assistant state’s attorney for the Office of the State’s Attorney in the Judicial District of Stamford, and as chief of staff and legal counsel for former Lt. Governor Michael Fedele.
Cafferelli earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of South Carolina and a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
