Richardson K. "Dick" Prouty, 89, formerly of 333 Main St., Spencer, died June 27, 2008 at St. Mary Health Care Center, the result of a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He leaves five children, Richardson K. Prouty, Jr. and his wife Bonnie of Westfield, Stephen L. and his wife Martine of Spencer, Charles "Newt" and his wife Cynthia of Spencer, Christopher L. of Topeka, KS and Marilyn L. Perkins, wife of Michael Perkins of Lunenburg, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and a Daughter-in-law, Jimmilee Prouty of Sturbridge. Dick's wife, Lillian (Brady), predeceased Mr. Prouty, as did his brothers Charles, David, Lothrop and his sister Marion. His sister Martha DeNormandie resides in Lincoln, MA
Dick was born in Spencer, the son of Charles N. & Claire (Kane) Prouty. He attended Spencer Public Schools as well as Exeter Academy. He was very fond of his college, Lafayette, which he attended before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served proudly in the North Atlantic aboard the "Four Stacker" Bernado. After Mr. Prouty's discharge, he purchased a small insurance agency which he successfully operated until his retirement in 1982.
Dedicated to his family and business, Mr. Prouty also found the time to serve his beloved hometown. For over fifty years Mr. Prouty held many elected and appointed positions including several terms on the Board of Selectman, School Committee, Finance Committee, and School, Police, and Fire Station Building Committees. Dick started the "White Sweater" program honoring academic achievement of high school seniors. He was honored by Spencer in 2003 by being named Grand Marshal of the Town's 250th anniversary parade. In addition, Dick was instrumental in planning and implementing the Spencer Rescue & Emergency Squad, Inc., for which he served on the Board of Directors for many years. He was actively involved with the formation of the Spencer Little League. Mr. Prouty was also a 61 year, past commander, of the Gaudette-Kirk American Legion, member of the Bay Path Lodge of A.F. & A.M., Board of Investment of the Spencer Savings Bank, and Executive Committee of the District Nurse Association. An avid tennis player, Dick was nationally ranked by the USTA while in his early eighties. He was dedicated to his church, the First Congregation Church of Spencer, serving as deacon, advisor, and choir member.
A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 8 at 11:00 AM. There are no calling hours. J. Henri Morin & Son Funeral Home, 23 Maple Terr., is directing the arrangements. The family requests flowers be omitted and suggests memorial contributions may be made instead to First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 187, Spencer, MA 01562 or to the Spencer Rescue & Emergency Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 147, Spencer, MA 01562