Richard P. Ketchen, 74, of Whitman passed away Wednesday March 20, 2024, with his beloved wife Donna (Faxon) Ketchen by his side. They had been married for 47 years.
Richard was raised in Whitman and pre-deceased by his parents William and Marion Ketchen.
He graduated from Whitman Hanson Regional High School, class of 1968. He furthered his education earning a Bachelors degree in business administration from Lowell Technical Institute in Lowell, MA.
Before retiring Richard worked in retail sales at several local home improvement stores including Grossman’s, Somerville Lumber, and Home Depot.
Richard enjoyed watching and attending Boston sports teams. He was also an avid reader, specifically of biographies of athletes, famous historical figures, and important events in history.
Richard loved sitting under an umbrella at beaches in Maine, Myrtle Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantasket on a hot summer day.
Richard was a member at the Knights of Columbus in Whitman, and held a fourth degree.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife to visit his children and grandchildren in Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and New York City. Those were special trips that he loved and cherished. He also took many trips throughout the United States and Canada, including Maine, the Grand Canyon, Cooperstown, and the Football Hall of Fame in Ohio. One of his favorites of all the states was Vermont, where he spent many summer vacations exploring the state with his wife and four children as a family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Kelley of Boston, his daughter Marie and her husband Leon of Levittown, PA, his son Paul and his wife Jenna of Omaha, NE, and his son Mark and his wife Elizabeth of Lancaster, PA. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Joseph and Jessica of Levittown, PA, Adaline and Elliot of Omaha, NE, and arriving in May Samuel of Lancaster, PA. He also leaves behind his thoughtful and very caring brother Robert Ketchen and his selfless wife Janice of Martha’s Vineyard and Naples, FL. He leaves behind his wonderful brother-in-law Michael, Jeffrey, Stephen, Phillip Faxon, and Phillip’s wife Kathy. As well as several cousins and nieces and nephews.
Richard was predeceased by his brother Ronald and sister in law Sandra Ketchen.
Family and friends are invited to attend Richard’s visiting hours Monday March 25, from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. All are welcomed to gather at the funeral home to pay their last respects and process to the church at 9:45 AM, Tuesday March 26. A funeral Mass to follow will be held at 10:30 AM in the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman.
Memorial donations may be made to the Whitman Food Pantry and Alzheimer’s Disease Association.
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