Richard C. Aldrich, Sr.

Ware - Richard (Dick) Aldrich, 88, of Ware, passed away on April 5, 2020, at Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care center in West Brookfield, MA. Dick was born on June 7, 1931, in Northampton, MA, to the late Bernard and Clara (Greanier) Aldrich, growing up in Pelham and graduating from Amherst High School.



Dick leaves his son, Richard (Jennifer) Aldrich, Jr., family, Faith (Bernie) Dulak, David Hamelin, all of Ware, MA, Paul (Dawn) Hamelin of AZ, Lee McMahon (Mike) of TX, Connie Jean (Jordan) Bourgault of MS, and Eric Hamelin of LA. He leaves nine grandchildren: Jacqueline, Jessica, Patrick, Michael, Robert, Daniel, Angela, Jodi, and Megan; 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his two sisters, Marguerite McCassie, Linda (Peter) Mottarella, and sister-in-law Harriette Aldrich.



Dick was predeceased by his beloved wife, Constance. Dick and Connie, or "The Mrs." as he liked to call her, celebrated 41 years together, and enjoyed traveling, spending time at the Cape, attending Marine Corps Reunions, and observing happy hour with a Manhattan. He was also predeceased by his brothers Bernard (Bing) Aldrich and Kenneth Aldrich.



Enlisting in the Marine Corps, Dick proudly served in Korea from August 1952 to September 1953 in the 1st Tank Battalion of the 1st Marine Division. He earned the following: Navy Commendation 1st Marine Division in Korea, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal Korea. Dick loved telling stories, and one of his favorites was sharing how his brother, Kenny, and he were surprisingly brought together on Christmas Day in 1952 while both were serving in Korea. A member of the Marine Corps League, Earl F. Howe American Legion Post 123 of Ware, and Marine Corps Tankers Association, Dick valued being a part of the Honor Squad and could always be seen marching in the local parades.



Dick worked as a Corrections Officer at the Hampshire County Jail & House of Correction in Northampton, MA, reaching the rank of Captain and working as the ID officer before retiring in 1990 after 35 years of service. After retiring, he treasured catching up and retelling stories with the "young guys" still working there.



Later, he worked for several years at Charbonneau Home in Ware as a funeral assistant.



An outdoorsman, he was an avid deer hunter, scouting and hunting with his son. Many of his fondest memories were from years vacationing on Cape Cod with family, in particular days spent at Sunken Meadow Beach and deep-sea fishing. At family picnics, he could be found by the horseshoe pits, playing horseshoes and appreciating a good cigar. Another pastime included playing golf with Bones and the late Fr. Fitzgerald. Always willing to lend a hand, he enjoyed helping his son-in-law Bernie, using his chainsaw to clear trees and anything in his way up at "the farm." Since cooking was not in his repertoire, he could be found many mornings at Crystal Springs having breakfast with the usual crew. Most recently, Dick took nostalgic rides, meandering through the roads in Pelham, Amherst, and Northampton, towns he loved, having grown up and worked in those areas.



He was a communicant of All Saints Church and the former Mount Carmel Church of Ware.



A Graveside Service with Military Honors for Dick will be held on Friday, July 17. 2020 at 11:00AM in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Ware. For everyone's health and safety, along with the current pandemic regulations, masks should be worn along with social distancing.

Donations may be made to the Marine Corps League Scholarship Fund c/o David Lavallie, PO Box 1282, Bondsville, MA 01009, or to All Saints Church of Ware, 17 North Street, Ware, MA 01082.



Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street in Ware is assisting his family with arrangements.



An online guest book is available at charbonneaufh.com.