CHICOPEE – Richard R. “Monk” Owen, 90, of the Fairview section of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024. He passed into Eternal Life at the Veterans’ Home of Holyoke surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and his comrades-at-arms. His family would like to extend their love and gratitude for all who cared for him with compassion on 3 East.
He was born in Springfield on December 14, 1933, a beloved son to the late John and Ruby (Stone) Owen. He lived in Chicopee for the past 25 years. He was predeceased by his siblings, Alice, Edward, Leonard, and Thomas. He was an Air Force veteran proudly serving his country from 1953-1957, including one year in the Korean War. He was a truck driver until his retirement and a member of the Teamsters Local 404 in Springfield for many years. Richard was a skilled self-taught handyman who was able to fix anything!
Richard leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 67 years, Helen, and their children, Michael Owen and his wife, Maritza, Sherrie Guilbault and her husband, Paul, and Debbie Perry. He was predeceased by his son, James Owen who was Called Home on June 23, 1999. He leaves his grandchildren, Chris and his spouse, Carmen, Rick and his spouse, Jaci, Randy, Amy and her spouse, Mike, Kayla, and Jillian; and his six great-grandchildren, Rosalee, Sicilia, Gabriella, Marley, Owen, and Lily. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Dorothy Smith and her partner, Bob Fiore, and close friends, Terry and Bob Desroches. He will be reunited in Heaven with his son-in-law, John Perry, and grandsons, Patrick Levesque and Benjamin Owen.
Richard and Helen enjoyed their retirement years cruising all over the world. The family created many priceless memories camping and at Old Orchard Beach in Maine. Richard proudly displayed his extensive magnet collection from all of their travels. Richard was an avid cowboy show watcher especially “Gunsmoke.” He could often be heard asking for a cup of “cocoa!” Richard had probably the best collection of Emmett Kelly figurines. If one was moved, he would let you know. He was like a kid in a candy store when he got a new one.
Richard’s passing will leave a tremendous void in his family’s hearts.
His Funeral will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 9 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His Burial with United States Air Force Military Honors will follow the Mass at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker Street, Springfield, MA 01129. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The funeral home parking lot in located in the rear. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Ronald McDonald House, 34 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com