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Harold "Rick" Bissell

1/31/1947 - 1/24/2026

BORN

1/31/1947

DIED

1/24/2026

FUNERAL HOME

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street

Niantic, Connecticut

Harold Bissell Obituary

Name: Calling hours for Harold "Rick" Bissell
Start: 2026-01-31T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-01-31T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

Niantic - Harold "Rick" Bissell, of Niantic, passed away surrounded by his family Jan. 24, 2026, seven days prior to his 79th birthday. He was born in Wellsville, N.Y., Jan. 31, 1947, the son of Harold and Jean Bissell. Rick was the loving husband of Janice Carlson, whom he married in 2004 in Nantucket, bringing their loving families together as one.

Rick was a U.S. Army veteran who served honorably in Vietnam, where he received the following decorations: the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals.

Rick spent his career as a union carpenter (Local 24), building with skill, integrity, and dedication that carried over into many projects at home and for those he loved most. An avid golfer, Rick enjoyed time on the course with some of his very best friends, who all recognized him for his gentle demeanor, skill, and luck - including two incredible holes-in-one, usually reserved for golfers only once in a lifetime. Like Rick himself, he was truly a once-in-a-lifetime friend, father and human.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; his son, Adam Bissell and his wife, Sarah, of Nottingham, N.H.; his daughter, Stacie Bissell-Tanguay and her husband, Jeff, of East Lyme; and his grandchildren, Taylor, her fiancé Steven, and Nicholas. He is also survived by his brothers, Bob, Mike and Gene Bissell; and his sister, Kathleen Rees. Rick was beloved by all of his nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Thomas L. Neilan and Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic, with a service to be conducted at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warriors (woundedwarriors.com). Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence for the family and to view Rick's memorial video.

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

Published by The Day on Jan. 29, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Bissell

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

10 Entries

Your Night Shift Friends

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Andy Giroux

February 5, 2026

I just heard of Rick´s passing, I send my condolences to his entire family, Rick was a great guy and always had a smile or laughing at something. Haven´t seen him in a while but I will always remember the good times with him at Millstone. He was a great guy. RIP my friend

Pequot Golf Club

January 31, 2026

All of us at Pequot Golf Club are going to miss Rick. He was a very special guy who always brought a smile and a kind word for everyone. Our condolences to Rick's family.
Margaret Tobin

John M. Jeffords

January 30, 2026

My condolences to Rick's family.I worked with Rick at Millstone on and off for over 30 yr.He was one of the great one r.i.p.brother. J.J.

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Paul Barile

January 29, 2026

Another long time Friend has left us. Condolences to the Bissell Family. Rick and I met in the early 70s during the construction of U-2 at Millstone Point. I can still remember our first encounter and his ever present smile..We were good Friends from that day on. Had a lot of fun and shared many laughs with Rick. Between work, softball, socializing and seeing him enjoying his life and Family one could see ,myself included, how very special Rick was to one and All. A great Man who can also be known as an inspiration to so many. May you Rest In Peace Eternally My Friend.

Neil and Pam

January 29, 2026

RIP Buddy you are going to be missed

Peter McKittrick

January 29, 2026

My condolences to the Bissell family! I work with Rick many years at Milestone we loss a very good man my condolences to the family

Dr. William Paquette

January 29, 2026

Rick and I attended sixth grade together in Allentown, NY. He sat behind me in the first row. We were a class of 9 students. I always remembered his ready smile and sense of humor. He was well liked by his Allentown classmates. Rick and his family lived outside Allentown in a section known as "gasoline alley" where his father worked. Rick's mother worked at Olean Tile as did my mother. We moved in 7th grade and sadly lost touch.

Dr. William Paquette
Gainesville, VA

Bruce Bentley

January 29, 2026

Rick and I spent time together back in the 70´s when we were in the same training program. He commuted to work with my father for many years. We both enjoyed Rick´s company. He was a gentle soul, very friendly and a pleasure to be with. I lost track of him over the decades but last summer I was lucky enough to see him at the car show at Ocean Beach Park. It was great to see him and catch up. Now that impromptu visit feels like closure and a chance to say goodbye. Rest in piece my friend. You will live on in the memories of those that were fortunate enough to have you in their lives.

Dave Fairman

January 29, 2026

Rest in Peace Rick

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