Richard Paul Sassone (Sept. 19, 1930-Nov. 15, 2016) Richard passed away peacefully on Nov. 15 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Richard, a 1948 graduate of Dedham High School, was an outstanding catcher for the school and after graduation tried out for the Boston Red Sox before heading to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
When he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954 he began a 22 year career in the Air Force that included receiving a Master’s degree in Engineering from Texas A & M and a tour of duty in Vietnam.
After retiring from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel, Richard taught computer science to college graduates and 9th grade math in Medfield before turning to a 10 year career with GTE.
Upon retirement, he spent countless hours as a volunteer at the West Roxbury VA hospital in the Disabled American Veterans department where he was called friend by administrators, cafeteria workers, doctors, maintenance workers and anyone he happened to pass in the hallways.
Those who knew Richard always knew where they stood with him and what his stance was on many issues. They will always remember him for his generous spirit in helping when asked and his love for his family.
He is survived by many loved him in return including sons, daughters, grandchildren, friends and many four-legged furry companions he also called friends.
The family requests any donations be made to Best Friends Animal Society, an organization he supported due to his unwavering love for animals. See www.bestfriends.org.
Services will take place on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 11:00 at the Foxboro Seventh-day Adventist Church, 308 Central Street in Foxboro, with a burial following at 1:30 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.