Albert R. Richard, Sr.

Albert Robert Richard of East Longmeadow, MA died peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, May 8, 2017 at Baystate Medical Center.He was a very young hearted, loving, handsome, 82-year-old man.He was born in North Adams, MA on June 18, 1934, to William and Doris (Felix) Richard, who he has reunited with in Heaven. He is now having a grand old time at The Richard Family poker table with his siblings Bill, Betty, Gordon, Craig, Peter and brother in law and best friend Gerald Duprea. He graduated St Joseph’s High School in North Adams, MA and went on to join the Army. He served our country in the Korean War.He was married to the love of his life, Shirley (Bond) Richard for almost 41 years. They spent all their days together with many laughs. They would watch the sunrise together each morning. He loved finding the moon in the evening sky with her.He was an amazing, loving father to Daniel (Lora) Richard of Mishawaka, IN, Albert (Sherry) Richard of Agawam, MA, Debbie (Diane) Richard of West Springfield, MA, Kelley Richard of Haverhill, MA, Theresa (Sony) Rivera of Stockbridge, MA, Daniel (Danielle) Collins Jr of Pittsfield, MA, and his devoted daughter and caregiver till the end, Amy (Brent Thompson) Richard of East Longmeadow, MA.He leaves a lasting loving legacy of 17 grandchildren, Carissa, Brittney, and Stephanie Collins, Adam, Ryan, Dana, John, Lexi, Ambrosia, Cheyenne, James, and Mason Richard. Six great grandchildren; Jasmine, Carly, Evan, Autumn, Olivia, and Nolan, and one on the way. He is reunited with his granddaughter Katie Richard. He was a best friend and amazing Papa to his buddies, William McCallum, Albert and Camden Duncan all of East Longmeadow, MA. He shared an unbreakable bond with his boys. His heart was full of love and the twinkle of his eyes bright when it came to Papa’s boys. He loved joking and witty sarcasm with his granddaughter Sarah Rivera of Ludlow, MA, and funny banter with Emily “Elvira” Rivera of Lee, MA. They were Grampy’s girls. He was such a proud, loving, Grampy, Papa, Grandpa. It was his favorite job in the whole world. He grew up causing shenanigans with his siblings who he leaves behind, Ronald (Connie) Richard, Karl (Rosemary) Richard all of Ludlow, MA, Doris McDonald, Jerry (Gloria) Richard all of North Adams, MA, Francis (Lillian) Richard, Gloria Sturgeon, and Fred (Pat) Richard all of Springfield, MA, Mary (Dick) Fontaine of Lehigh Acres, FL. and Mike (Linda) Richard of Punta Gorda, FL. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins behind.There’s nothing like scratching a ticket, drinking his “instant” Maxwell House Coffee and watching The Price is Right to make his day. He enjoyed his lottery, cribbage, family poker, game shows and the New England Patriots. He finally hit his jackpot by entering the Gates of Heaven, his big Casino in the sky. The family would like to thank the amazing nurses at Baystate Medical Center, Daly Bldg 6 th Fl, “Papa’s Pretty Nurses” were amazing and loving to him till the end. There are not enough words to express our gratitude. Contributions in Papa’s memory may be directed to Shriners Hospital for Children, Transportation Fund, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Relatives and friends are invited to gather Monday, May 15 from 11:30am – 12:30pm at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA followed by committal services with military honors at the MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. Please visit www.nefcc.net