Richard D. Kateley, Jr., 51, of 113 Whispering Woods Hill, Guilford, died June 14 after a long illness. He was the husband of Charlotte Shapiro Kateley. Rich was born in Middletown on July1, 1960, son of Richard and Hanna Schwarz Kateley. He grew up in Clinton and was the owner/operator of Sea-Jay Marine Construction, as well as a crane operator and a tugboat captain. Sea-Jay Marine did all the dredging for the foundation of the Baldwin Bridge in Old Saybrook, the original blasting and dredging of the West River in Guilford, and numerous other dredging and salvage projects.

Rich enjoyed time with his family and his dogs, Caymen and Astro.  He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed working and playing on, in, and under the water.  Rich was an avid swimmer and master scuba diver. 

Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by his brother, Jeffrey Kateley and Jeffrey’s wife Sarah, as well as two nieces and two nephews, Jacob and Emily Kateley and Kristopher and Katie Shapiro.

Private graveside services were held on Thursday, June 16, at Alder Brook Cemetery, Guilford.  Those wishing to remember Richard with a memorial contribution are asked to donate to the American Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc, P.O. Box 466, Lyme, CT. 06371.  The Guilford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  For more information or to send an online condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.