Richard L. Pilon, 75, beloved husband of Claire Valliere Pilon, died on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Florida.  He was born on September 26, 1942 in Hartford, CT, son of the late Emil Victor Pilon and Theresa (Lambert) Pilon.Richard was a 1964 graduate of the University of Hartford.  He spent several years teaching high school English at East Catholic High School in Manchester, CT before he began a lengthy career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of CT.  He retired in 1998 and moved to Fort Myers, FL to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.  It was in Ft Myers that he obtained his real estate license.  Richard enjoyed being a realtor and was actively working at Century 21 Sunbelt until his passing.On June 27, 1964, Richard married the love of his life, Claire Valliere.  Together they raised their two daughters in West Hartford, CT.  Richard thoroughly enjoyed growing vegetables, cooking, reading, and running but his greatest pleasure came from entertaining family and friends.  During the years in Ft Myers, he also loved cruising the Gulf of Mexico on his boat named "Poppy's Toy." Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.  His grandchildren were his greatest joy.  Affectionately named "Poppy" by his oldest grandchild, Kristin, he wrote weekly letters to each grandchild for years.  His letters were filled with amusing stories accentuating his wonderful sense of humor; always ending with encouragement and inspirational advice.  Attending birthday parties, graduations, recitals and sporting events were the highlights of his later years.  Richard was adored by his children, grandchildren and extended family.  His positive, caring and fun-loving nature brought a smile to everyone he encountered.He is survived by his wife, Claire Valliere of Fort Myers, FL, his daughter Denise Burke and her husband Michael Burke of North Hampton, NH; his daughter Carrie Gambardella and her husband Raymond Gambardella of North Haven , CT; his brother Phillip Pilon and his wife Mary Anne of Simsbury, CT; his brother Kenneth Pilon and his wife Jill of Farmington, CT; his brother Christopher Pilon and his wife Catherine of West Harford, CT; his grandchildren, Kristin and Kelly Burke of North Hampton, NH; and Julia, Andrew and Angela Gambardella of North Haven, CT; his dog Chloe; as well as his many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.A memorial service will be held at St Theresa's Church, North Haven  on July 2, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. followed by interment at All Saint's Cemetery in North Haven.  Friends may call Monday morning (July 2nd) from 9 -10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hope Hospice at 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908  or on-line www.hopehospice.org/donate .