Richard J. Aronson of Danbury, who died in a car crash in Newtown, was the former band director at Danbury High School and director of fine and practical arts in Darien public schools, according to his obituary.

Richard J. Aronson, who died after a recent car crash in Newtown, was the former band director at Danbury High School and director of fine and practical arts in Darien public schools, according to his obituary. He was 86.

“His kindness, generosity and genuine spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him,” the obituary said.

The single-car crash happened on July 21 when the car Aronson was driving went off Mount Pleasant Hill Road into woods, Newtown police said. First responders found the vehicle deep in the woods off the westbound lane, 40 feet down a steep embankment, police said. Aronson was transported to Danbury Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to police, who said they were investigating the crash.

He was born in Middletown, son of Irene and Walter Aronson, and graduated from Valley Regional High School in Deep River in 1958, according to his obituary. Aronson received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hartford’s Hart School of Music in 1963, a master’s degree from what is now Western Connecticut State University in 1969 and a sixth-year certificate from the University of Bridgeport in 1971, the obituary said.

Described in his obituary as “a lifelong advocate for children and adolescents,” Aronson started his education career as a music teacher in 1962 in Danbury Public Schools and was band director at Danbury High School from 1967 through 1979, according to the obituary. Aronson then worked in Darien public schools as director of fine and practical arts from 1984 until his retirement in 1999. He followed up by working at Honda of Danbury for about 24 years after retirement, where he developed lifelong friendships, his obituary said.

“He cherished his family above all else, finding great joy in the love and laughter shared with his daughter, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews along with numerous friends and colleagues,” the obituary said. “An avid traveler, he embraced the opportunity to explore the world with curiosity and enthusiasm, touching the lives of countless people along the way.”

In addition to his parents, Aronson was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Maureen M. Aronson; a brother, Raymond Aronson; and niece Colleen O’Connor. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret LaBelle, grandchildren Nathan and Sarah LaBelle, and his brother, Robert Aronson, along with nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours, according to the obituary. A memorial Mass to celebrate Aronson’s life and legacy will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 49 South St. (Route 63), Litchfield, on Friday at 10 a.m., the obit said. Burial is to follow in New St. Francis Cemetery in Torrington.

July 27, 2026