Henry David Rist, a resident of Stoughton, passed away on Thursday July 19, 2007 after a long illness at The Tower Hill Center For Health and Rehabilitation in Canton. He was 81 years old. He was the beloved husband of Jeanne R. (McCarthy) Rist to whom he was married to for over 56 years.
Born January 6, 1926 in Boston, Massachusetts, He was a son of the late George M. Rist and Ella F. ( Rieser) Rist. Mr. Rist attended Stoughton Public Schools and was a graduate of Stoughton High School.
Mr. Rist was a Staff Sergeant with The United States Air Force and was on active duty during World War II. He was the recipient of The good conduct Medal, The American Theater Campaign Ribbon, The Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon and The Army Occupation Medal and The Japan Victory Medal.
After returning home from active duty, Mr. Rist was employed as a Presser for Rich’s Sportswear company in Boston , Massachusetts for over thirty years. He attended and was a member of the First Congregational Church of Stoughton, where he had served on the churches Building Committee.
Mr. Rist was appointed by Selectman to The Stoughton Housing Authority in 1970 and was later appointed by the state in 1976. He was a Stoughton Town Meeting Member for Precinct two until the year 2003. He was both an elected and appointed member of The Finance committee, having served for a full nine years. From 1987 to 1990 Mr. rist was Chairman of The Town Hall Building Committee.
Mr. Rist was a forty - five year member of The Rising Star Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Stoughton. He had served as Past Master in 1969 and as Past Master of The 37 th Lodge Of Instruction in 1971.
Mr. Rist enjoyed Stamp collecting, Reading and Coin Collecting. He was also a very proud grandparent. Mr. Rist was also a successful recipient of early Parkinsons Disease medical research in the 1980’s.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Rist is survived by his children, Debra P. Baldovin and her husband Edward L. of Mansfield and Susan E. Powers and her husband Kenneth F. of Middleboro. He is also survived by his brother Edward Rist of Milton, his two sisters, Helen Bougas of Falmouth and Joan Caldor of Hanover and his six grandchildren. He was also the brother of the late George M. Rist.
His funeral service will be held on Wednesday July 25, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. in The First Congregational Church of Stoughton, United Church of Christ, 76 Pierce Street, Stoughton. The Pastor Reverend Patricia Hayes, Christ Congregational Church of Brockton, officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Stoughton. Visiting hours to which relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend will be held on Tuesday July 24, 2007 from 4 – 8 P.M. in The Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton. NOTE: A MASONIC SERVICE BY RISING STAR LODGE A.F. & A. M. WILL BE HELD AT APPROX. 7:45 P.M.. In lieu of flowers, donations to The National Parkinson Foundation Inc. P.O. Box 584 East Dennis, MA 02641 – 0584 in Henry’s memory, would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to The Sheehan Funeral Home, Stoughton.