Harold “Rick” Bissell, of Niantic, CT, passed away surrounded by his family on January 24, seven days prior to his 79th birthday. He was born in Wellsville, NY, on January 31, 1947, the son of Harold and Jean Bissell. Rick was the loving husband of Janice Carlson, whom he married in 2004 in Nantucket, bringing their loving families together as one.
Rick was a U.S. Army veteran who served honorably in Vietnam, where he received the following decorations: the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals.
Rick spent his career as a union carpenter (Local 24), building with skill, integrity, and dedication that carried over into many projects at home and for those he loved most. An avid golfer, Rick enjoyed time on the course with some of his very best friends, who all recognized him for his gentle demeanor, skill, and luck- including two incredible holes-in-one, usually reserved for golfers only once in a lifetime. Like Rick himself, he was truly a once-in-a-lifetime friend, father, and human.
He is survived by his wife, Janice; his son, Adam Bissell and his wife, Sarah, of Nottingham, NH; his daughter, Stacie Bissell-Tanguay and her husband, Jeff, of East Lyme; and his grandchildren, Taylor, her fiancé Steven, and Nicholas. He is also survived by his brothers Bob, Mike, and Gene Bissell, and his sister, Kathleen Rees. Rick was beloved by all of his nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be from 2–4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, at the Thomas L. Neilan and Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, with a service to be conducted at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warriors (woundedwarriors.com).
Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence for the family and to view Rick’s memorial video.
