Richard Ely Hearn, known affectionately as “Dick” to his friends, and “Apa” to his grandchildren, and a longtime Burlington resident, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, in Burlington, Vermont. Born May 10, 1936, in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the cherished son of the late George and Dorothy (Frost) Hearn, and brother of the late Dorothy Elizabeth Pratt.
A survivor of the tragic Hartford Circus Fire of 1944, Richard carried that early resilience with him throughout a life rich in learning and in love. He studied at Yale University spending time between his freshman and sophomore years to serve two years in the U.S. Navy and later earned an MBA from MIT.
He began his professional journey in management consulting, working with Raytheon and the Department of Defense, and later served as CEO of Capital City Press, based near Montpelier Vermont. But Richard’s greatest passions lay beyond his résumé: family, travel, gardening, cooking, and the joy of sharing good food with those he loved.
Richard married four times and was known fondly as a great lover of wine, women, and song. He taught his children and extended family to find happiness in life’s everyday treasures: a great meal, a beautiful beach, a well-told story, or the deeper meaning in song lyrics. With an unforgettable smile and an unflagging sense of humor, he approached every moment with a sense of fun and delight.
He is survived by his wife, Sybil Hindes Hearn of Burlington, VT; his five daughters Merryn Hearn (daughter of the late Kathryn Watchorn) of Seattle, WA; Jennifer Hearn Puntonio (John) (also Kathryn’s daughter) of Medfield, MA; Alison Hearn (Kate) (daughter of the late Marian Aveson) of Scituate, MA; Jessica Hearn (daughter of Kathrine Lyons), and Amanda Hearn (Dan) (also Katherine’s daughter), of Burlington, VT. He also leaves behind his stepchildren Donald, Jerry, and Tara (children of Katherine Lyons), and Eric (son of Sybil Hindes); his grandchildren Ben, Anna, Arrow, Aspen, Christopher, and Kai; his niece Nina Pratt Fleming of Blue Hill, ME; his nephew Alex Pratt of Willimantic, CT, and many other family members.
Whether through philosophical conversations, impromptu guitar tunes, meaningful words of empowerment, or heartfelt laughter, Richard encouraged those around him to embrace their dreams, curiosity, joy, and meaningful connection. His legacy will live on in every meal savored, every story shared, every beach explored, and every smile remembered.
Services will be held on August 1, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at the Louisa Howard Chapel, Lakeview Cemetery, Burlington, VT. Reception to follow. Contact Jessica Hearn with condolences or flowers: 31 Chase St., Apt. 1, Burlington, VT 05401.
We love you Dad!