SPRING HILL, Fla. – Richard Kent Hermonot, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him, passed away at his home in Spring Hill, Fla., on Feb. 23, 2024.
Known to many as Rick, he was the oldest of four sons born to Edward Roy and Diane Booker Hermonot on Dec. 5, 1959. His childhood was spent in Middlebury, Conn., where his love of agriculture began working at Wilkas’ Farm, and later at Wilmot’s Dairy Farm. He grew up raising many farm animals, and was proud FFA member.
Rick met the love of his life, Elena Therese Paquette, in 1977 at Nonnewaug High School, serendipitously stepping in to fill the void from a canceled prom date_ The couple married on Aug. 15, 1981, raising the money to pay for their wedding by breeding and selling pigs. So began the love affair that would last more than 45 years.
Rick’s passion for agriculture was sewn throughout his life. His first job with Farm Credit began shortly after his graduation from UConn in 1981 with a degree in animal science. Five years later he left Farm Credit to pursue his dream of dairy farming. For 10 years Rick, Elena, and brother Robert managed their own dairy at Larkin Farm while he and Elena grew their young family.
In 1995, Rick returned to Farm Credit, finishing his career there as a farm business consultant, where he advised farms throughout New England. He forged more than just business relationships with many clients, fostering friendships that would last a lifetime. Farm Credit recognized his efforts, presenting him with the Pride of Farm Credit East Award in 2014.
When the family moved to Sterling, Conn., in 1995, Rick quickly became involved in many aspects of the community. He joined the Ekonk Community Grange and was a member of the Last Green Valley, as well as the Connecticut Farm Bureau.
Rick was an active member of the Brooklyn Fair, serving as president for several years. He left behind a legacy of volunteering and he always led by example.
Rick again combined his two loves of family and farming, when he and his family began Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm in 1998. The business grew over the years to include every member of the family. He passed his dreams onto his children and made work fun with his positive outlook on each day.
He helped the farm grow to include Highland Farm, the farm next door, which was always a dream of he and Elena’s to own. This is where his true passion was lived out.
Nothing was more important to Rick than his family. He was extremely proud of the life and children he grew with Elena. He treasured every moment with his grandchildren, who loved their Papa dearly and will grow up being reminded of his smiling face and ability to make them laugh.
He is survived by his wife Elena; their children Christopher (Susan), Jonathan (Erica), Ashley, and Katherine; their grandchildren Jacob, Mackenzie, Alexander, Benjamin, and Whitman; his brothers Robert (Deborah), Steven, David (Tina); nieces, grandniece, and many close friends.
We were all equally blessed to have him in this life.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Killingly FFA Chapter, 226 Putnam Pike, Dayville, CT 06241. A scholarship will be set up in Rick’s honor.
