WOODSTOCK, CT -- Read E. Rich, Sr., 89, of 5 Woodstock Meadows, died Saturday, April 12, 2008, in Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam, after being stricken ill.
He leaves his wife of 35 years, Veronica M. “Ronnie” (Reich) Rich; a son, Read E. Rich, Jr., and his wife Lorraine J. of Brunswick, ME; a stepson, Gene Dumas of Manhattan, NY; 3 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his son Donald Rich in 1957.
He was born in Webster, MA and raised in Pomfret, son of George and Emma (Burke) Rich. He lived in several towns, including Holland, Southbridge and Dudley, MA before moving to Woodstock in 1996.
Mr. Rich worked for over 40 years at the American Optical Company in Southbridge, retiring as a supervisor in 1978. He also owned and operated the Richland Acres Farm in Dudley for many years.
He held several political offices, including being a selectman in Holland, MA. His favorite pastime was training horses for harness racing, which he did for many years.
After cremation, funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Donations in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 58, Danielson, CT 06239. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main St., Webster, MA.