The family of Richard Adam Rys announces with deep sadness his passing on March 18, 2026. He was born on October 4, 1928, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and graduated from Holyoke High School. He worked many years as a supervisor for the Uniroyal Tire Plant in Chicopee. He had a deep love of nature and was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman. He raised bees and cultivated vegetable and flower gardens, and was an expert swimmer who, over his lifetime, rescued several people from the water. He enjoyed bird watching and a competitive card game, and often called himself the richest man in the world, referring to his wife and family.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Julia (Peters) Rys, and his siblings: Ruth Pellerin (and the late Armand) and Edward Rys (and the late Helen). He is survived by his sister, Julie Gawle (the late Bernard), of Southampton, Massachusetts.
He shared 77 wonderful years with his wife, Mary Rys (McLaughlin), of Ludlow, Massachusetts. In retirement on Cape Cod, they enjoyed the beach, time with family, and made many friends along the way.
He will be dearly missed by his children: Kathy Whyte (David) of Central Point, Oregon; Richard Rys (Claudia) of Princeton, Massachusetts; Michael Rys (Judy) of Goleta, California; Debra Gora (the late Joseph) of Shutesbury, Massachusetts; Jeffrey Rys (Pamela) of Ludlow, Massachusetts; and Lisa Moriarty (Daniel) of Belchertown, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his son, Timothy Rys, and is lovingly remembered by his devoted partner of 30 years, Shari Hart, of Hingham, Massachusetts. He also leaves a legacy of 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to The Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002.