Richard H. Gove, 74
Dateline: Norton, MA
Retired Norton Fire Lieutenant Richard H. Gove, age 74, a lifelong resident of Norton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at the Epoch Senior Healthcare in Norton.
He was the beloved husband and best friend of the late Emily E. (LaMountain) Gove who died on November 24, 2013 and to whom he was wed on February 23, 1963.
Born in Attleboro, MA on February 11, 1941, he was a loving son of the late Richard P. and Doris A. (VanHoesen) Gove.
Richard was a 1959 graduate of Norton High School. Upon graduation, he promptly enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of SSGT.
Mr. Gove began his career as a call firefighter for the Town of Norton while in high school. After serving in the military, he became a full time firefighter rising to the rank of Lieutenant. Following 36 years of dedicated service to the town, he retired in 1993. While a member of the fire department, he also served as an Arson Investigator, the Fire Prevention Officer and graduated from Bristol Community College.
Dick was a member of the Bristol Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. in North Attleboro, as well as the Knights Templar, Scottish Rites and York Rites. He was also a member of the Mayflower Society, the Angle Tree Rod & Gun Club in North Attleboro, a member and past commander of the Norton American Legion Post 222 and a member of the Norton VFW Post 8049
An avid motorcyclist, he also enjoyed camping with family and friends, and was proud of obtaining his former private pilots license.
He is survived by his loving and devoted children Donna J. Gove of Norton, Raymond R. Gove of Somerset and the late Richard H. Gove, Jr. He was the dear brother of G. Paul Gove of Berkley, Judy Barrows and Nancy Staton both of Taunton, and the late Gene Gove, Sharon DeCosta, Kevin Gove and Alan Gove. He was the adoring grandfather of Daniel R. Placido and Delaney J. Gove, and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 16th at 10:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Power Street, Norton. Burial with military honors will follow at the Norton Center Cemetery in Norton.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 15th from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton.
In lieu of flowers, Richard’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Norton Ambulance Gift Account, 70 East Main St., Norton, MA 02766.
To send the Gove family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com