TEWKSBURY: Russell P. Rich, age 78, a resident of Tewksbury for 50 years, died Monday, August 15, 2005 at his home, while being cared for by his family.
He was the husband of Barbara J. (Dingle) Rich with whom he celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on February 19th.
Born in Lynn on February 4, 1927, he was the son of the late George H. and Azilphia N. (Rich) Rich.
Mr. Rich was raised in Lynnfield and attended Lynnfield schools.
In 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Mr. Rich served during World War II and was awarded several decorations including the Army Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Prior to his retirement in 1985, he was employed as a truck driver by the Wakefield Redi-Mix Concrete Company for over 37 years.
Mr. Rich was a member of the Tewksbury American Legion and the Tewksbury Golden Age Club.
He enjoyed many activities including ice skating, tinkering, helping his neighbors and watching the Bruins and Patriots on television.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son; Russell P. Rich, Jr. and his wife Mary of Summerfield, Florida; three daughters; Debra L. Rich of Vassalboro, Maine, Jody Rich and her partner Rosemary Winslow of Waterville, ME and Lisa Carriere and her partner Don Armstrong of Lowell; two sisters; Doris Gaythwaite and her husband John of Lynnfield, Marjorie Trout and her husband Ralph of Georgetown; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Rich was the brother of the late Marilyn Rich, George, Charles and James Rich.
At the request of the family services are private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions to Hospice Care, Inc., 41 Montvale Ave., Stoneham, MA 02180 or to the Tewksbury Senior Center, 175 Chandler St., Tewksbury, MA 01876 are requested.