Bridgewater - Richard Peter "Stretch" Hellige, 59, of Bridgewater died unexpectedly Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at Brockton Hospital. He was the husband of Catherine C. (Cooper) Hellige.
Born in Boston, raised in Saco, Maine, he was the son of Peter W. and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Hellige of Saco, Maine.
A graduate of Northeastern University with a degree in industrial engineering, Mr. Hellige was employed as an Industrial Engineer for many years, and had also been an independent contractor for 5 years.
He served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, having received the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.
Mr. Hellige was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus and past grand Knight.
He worked in prison ministry for many years and was active with soup kitchens, including St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.
A member and CCD teacher of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, he was also the clerk of the works for the church's restoration project.
Mr. Hellige had been a resident of Bridgewater for the past 29 years.
He enjoyed gardening and bicycling.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his daughter and son, Carrie A. Lehtonen of Abington and Adam R. Hellige of Bridgewater; and his grandchildren, Kirsten, Erik, Zachary and Savannah Leigh.
His funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Saturday in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Bridgewater. Burial in St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery.
Visiting hours are Friday 4-8 pm in Prophett Funeral Home, 98 Bedford St. (Rte. 18), Bridgewater.
Donations may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 103 Center St., Bridgewater, MA 02324.