Thomas Alfred Richard passed away at his home in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts on June 28, 2024 following a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by many members of his loving family, who were the joy of his life.
Tom was born on September 4th, 1937, the youngest of three children of the late Frederick and Julia Richard. He graduated from Whitman High School and served in the United States Navy from 1955-1957. Upon his return to Whitman Tom was blessed to meet and marry Ann Arline Kailher. Their union was a model of loving devotion. Tom and Ann would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this September.
For many years Tom was a machinist at Boston Gear Works. In the 1980’s and 90’s he and Ann owned and operated the Edgehill Inn, a bed and breakfast in Tamworth, New Hampshire. In the later years of his career Tom hung his shingle as a Whitman-based painting contractor offering both residential and commercial services. A raconteur whose blue eyes sparkled with his zest for life, Tom greatly valued time with friends and family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and playing cards with friends. Tom reveled in the championships earned by our local sports teams.
Tom touched many lives with his commitment to serving others. After achieving sobriety Tom sponsored dozens of new members in Alcoholics Anonymous in the last 47 years of his life. He volunteered tirelessly with the St. Vincent de Paul, Whitman Food Pantry, Holy Ghost Parish and served as chairman of the Whitman Housing Authority. His community involvement benefited numerous civic, charitable, and Catholic organizations.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife Ann; daughters Maureen Ann Parsons, Jacqueline Frances Gorman (Willam), Kathleen Marie Welch (Christopher), Arleen Ann Hancock, and Joline Lynn Richard (Peter Cameron); grandchildren Michael Parsons, Ashley Parsons, Greg Parsons, McKayla Jenks, Colin Jenks, Evan Jenks, Ryan Welch, Laura Welch, Megan Welch Tibbetts, Justin Hancock, Kyle Hancock, as well as 15 great-grandchildren. He is additionally survived by his sister Lorraine Richard O’Neill and numerous loving nephews, nieces, in-laws, and other relatives. Robert Hancock and Scott Parsons were long-time friends of Tom. Predeceasing Tom were his parents Fredrick Francis Richard and Julia Anna Green Richard, as well as brother Frederick Francis Richard, Jr.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 2nd from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Blanchard’s Funeral Chapel, 666 Plymouth Street, Whitman. A funeral Mass celebrating Tom’s remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, July 3rd at 10:30AM at Holy Ghost Parish, 518 Washington Street, Whitman with a reception to follow at Sorrelle, 1400 Bedford Street, Abington at 12:30PM.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul, Whitman Food Pantry, or Holy Ghost Parish.