Richard E. Eccleston, 67, of Meriden, departed this life on Friday, June 22, 2007 at the Masonic Healthcare Center in Wallingford. Richard was born in New Haven, CT on November 2, 1939, son of the late Edward and Myrtle (Braynam) Eccleston. Until his retirement, he was a chef and was employed with the State of CT. He was a member of the Salvation Army and volunteered at their soup kitchen. He is survived by a daughter, Ann Ranfone of Guilford, a sister, Susan Huisman of North Myrtle Beach, SC and 2 grandchildren, Frankie and Natalia Ranfone. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 29, 2007 at 10:00 AM , in the chapel of the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm St. Relatives and friends may call one hour in advance of the service from 9:00 – 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in the Middletown State Veteran's Cemetery.