Richard A. Pacheco, 70, of New Bedford died on October 7th, 2017 at Rhode Island Hospital after an unexpected illness with his loving family by his side. He was the son of Helen and Joseph Pacheco.
Born in New Bedford, he was a well-known teacher, writer, painter, actor and later in life a Karaoke and trivia enthusiast.
Richard, or “Dick” Pacheco as some would call him, was an only child who spent all but one year of his life in New Bedford. After graduating from New Bedford High, he moved on to receive his BFA in painting and MFA in Art Education and Print Making from SMU (UMass Dartmouth).
He taught art education at various schools in Portsmouth and New Bedford. At New Bedford High School, he taught a multitude of art courses and created one of the first computer graphic design and web design courses at a high school in the United States.
As a teacher, he received a Horace Mann Award from the state of Massachusetts and the Key Club Award for Excellence in teaching. He was twice nominated for the Disney All American Teaching Award before retiring in 2002.
He was a member of the Boston Visual Artists Union, supporter of Trinity Rep, attended the American Theatre Training Institute, worked with New Bedford’s Art Center, was an arts writer and critic for the New Bedford Standard Times, contributing editor to New Bedford Magazine and Editor and General Manager of the Greater New Bedford Arts and Entertainment Magazine.
After retiring, he continued to pursue his art in various forms including writing, painting and acting, just to name a few.
He leaves a son Joel and his wife Lori of Freetown, a daughter Jennifer Pacheco of Freetown, a son Jonathan, his wife Charlotte and grandchild Sean of Florida.
A donation may be made in Mr. Pacheco’s honor to the Buttonwood Park Zoo at https://www.bpzoo.org/get-involved/donate/.
Private funeral arrangements were placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740.