Search by Name

Search by Name

Dianna Lee Risch

6/27/1950 - 8/3/2025

Dianna Lee Risch obituary, 6/27/1950-8/3/2025, Waterford, CT

BORN

6/27/1950

DIED

8/3/2025

FUNERAL HOME

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street

Niantic, Connecticut

Dianna Risch Obituary

Waterford - Dianna Lee Risch, 75, of Waterford, passed away peacefully at her home Aug. 3, 2025.

Born June 27, 1950, Dianna was a proud graduate of Montville High School. She went on to serve the East Lyme Public School System for many years as a dedicated culinary specialist, where her warm smile and kind spirit touched the lives of countless students and staff. Dianna was an enthusiastic racing fan, especially enjoying watching her beloved friends from the Gada family compete in Waterford.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ernest S. Risch Jr.; her son, William Risch of Uncasville; her daughter, Christine Risch of Waterford; two cherished grandchildren, Susie and Sarah; and two beloved great-grandchildren, Damien and Elizabeth.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dianna's memory may be made to Waterford/East Lyme Animal Control, honoring her lifelong love for animals.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Aug. 6, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Dianna Risch

Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





7 Entries

A friend

August 9, 2025

Such a kind, warm person. Always welcoming in the cafeteria line. May she rest in peace.

Kathy Murphy

August 9, 2025

To my Dear friend Christine and her family . I´m so very sorry for the loss of your mom , wife and grandmother My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. She certainly was a very special lady. Christine we had some fun times with your mom in Which I will cherish . Love Kathy Murphy

Greg Lutzen

August 8, 2025

I worked at LBH during Dianna´s tenure there. She was always cheerful and had a ready smile. She loved talking about her family. Sorry to hear of her passing. Sincere condolences to her family.

Sandy Rathbun

August 7, 2025

I will miss her at our monthly BBP lunches. She was a very caring friend. Always had a smile for everyone. My prayers are with her family.

Joan

August 6, 2025

Dianna and a group of women I call the "BBP Ladies" have been having dinners and lunches once a month since 2000. She was a cherished member of the group. We will miss her smile and laughter so much. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Mary Smith

August 6, 2025

Dianna, may you rest peacefully. Your warm and loving smile will be felt from above. I know you'll be in turn 1 cheering on your "Boys" Thank you for all your encouragement and positive thoughts on my posts. Ernie, Billy, Christine and all the family sending my deepest sympathies. xoxo Mary

Dave Fairman

August 6, 2025

Rest in Peace

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Dianna Risch's name

Memorial Events
for Dianna Risch

Aug

8

Calling hours

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home

48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357

How to support Dianna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dianna Risch's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more