Richard "Dick" J. Asafaylo

Richard James Asafaylo, age 88, passed away on November 22, 2025, surrounded by his family in Newville, PA. He was born April 12, 1937 in Farrell, Pennsylvania, and he was the son of John and Margaret (nee Kudray) Asafaylo.

Dick graduated from Immaculate Heart Central School in Watertown, New York, and subsequently received an appointment to The United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated in 1959 and began a 22-year career in the US Navy. Dick was committed to serving his country, from completing his night flying qualifications on the USS Intrepid to many tours of duty in the submarine Navy with the culmination being commanding officer of the USS Skate. After retiring from the Navy, Dick continued to work in the nuclear power industry at Northeast Utilities in Waterford, CT.

Throughout his life, Dick was committed to a life of service. He was active in community government in Salem, CT, and he would often campaign at the local dump because he thought it was the best way to meet people on their terms. A devout Catholic and eucharistic minister, Dick taught Catholic catechism, recruited new parishioners through the adult ministries program, and was an active participant in the Knights of Columbus.

Dick loved to play games, especially cards, and he was an avid and capable Bridge player. In his later years, he was an amateur painter and doer of puzzles, both crossword and board. A diehard New York Giants fan, Dick introduced his children to the Red Sox and Yankees as well as jazz through trips to the Lincoln Center to see such greats as Max Roach, Dizzy Gallespie. He enjoyed the natural wonders of the world at the Museum of Natural History as well as trips to the big city airports simply because he and his sons liked to see the big planes up close.

Dick’s wife of 65 years, Linda, predeceased him in 2023. He is survived by his children, Margaret Asafaylo Leonard of Northampton, MA, his sons Paul Nicholas Asafaylo of Purcellville, VA and William Brent Asafaylo of Edmonds, WA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Margaret Hope Leonard, Elizabeth Rose Leonard, John Nicholas Asafaylo, Quisha June Novotny Asafaylo and Anna Renee Novotny Asafaylo. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Asafaylo and Ronald Asafaylo.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Dick’s honor Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Church, 305 N. Prince Street, Shippensburg, PA immediately followed by a burial and committal service to be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 in honor of Dick.