Obituary of Richard E. Minton

Richard E. Minton, age 78, of Stratford, beloved husband of Ann McAuliffe Minton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bridgeport, CT in May of 1947, he was a son of the late Earle and Eunice Squires Minton. 

Richard grew up in a large family in Trumbull CT, where he formed a group of life-long friends and earned his ever-enduring nickname “Clubbo” - a reference to his oversized feet. He graduated from Trumbull High School, where he first found his passion for the game of basketball (after being advised by the choir director to “just mouth the words”). 

Clubbo went on to earn his Bachelors Degree from Middlebury College in Vermont, where he captained the basketball team, participated in ROTC, and was a brother of Delta Upsilon fraternity - “Where every night is Saturday night, and every Saturday night is New Year’s Eve.”

After Middlebury, he graduated from Georgetown Law before commencing service with the U.S. Army Adjutant General's (AG) Corps. He went on to practice law in the greater Fairfield County area for his entire career, and was at his proudest when he helped an entire community of over 40 families along the Housatonic avoid eviction by a utility company.

Clubbo continued to drain long jump shots in various leagues across Fairfield County until the age of 55. To no one’s surprise, he remained a strong supporter and advocate for his Middlebury Panthers’ team until the very end, running a premier D3 basketball analysis blog for 12+ years and cheering on ‘his boys’ with vigor every chance he got.

For decades, Clubbo spent winters skiing in Vermont, summers around the backstretch at Saratoga, and autumn hosting his annual golf tournament affectionately titled The Championship of Fools. He was known for clocking correct answers watching Jeopardy!  and most recently was proving his worth as an aspiring fiction novelist.

Above all things, he was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. He shared 46 years of marriage with his wife Ann, and instilled in their daughters the value of deep friendships, justice, laughter, and celebrating life’s moments to the fullest. He was both fierce and fiercely loyal; and the values he upheld will forever live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. 

In addition to his beloved wife, Ann, of 46 years, Richard is survived by his two loving daughters: Jessica Minton and Chelsea Minton, along with her husband Eric Ambrette and a cherished and adored grandson Callan Ambrette. He also leaves behind his devoted sister, Claudia Braun, and three brothers: Jeffrey Minton and his wife Betsy, Keith Minton and his wife Cynthia, and Roger Minton. Survivors also include his dear cousins Scott Squires, Glenn Squires and their families; as well as his sister-in-law, Betty McAuliffe; and loving nieces and nephews: Courtney, Lindsey, Katie, William, Neal, Merrily, Charrisa, and Elizabeth. He was predeceased by a brother, Paul Minton. 

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford. All friends and family are welcome to join in Celebration of Life Reception following Mass, 12 pm at Riverview Bistro, 946 Ferry Boulevard, Stratford. The family invites you to come prepared with your favorite toasts, roasts, and tall tales of Clubbo! 

Internment will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Middlebury Men’s Basketball Team here: https://engage.middlebury.edu/pages/annual-giving/fy26/give-to-middlebury-mens-basketball 

To leave an online condolence, visit www.abriola.com.