West Boylston – John P. Richie, 85, of West Boylston, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 8, 2012 in St. Vincent's Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
John is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rose M. (Schiavone) Richie; a daughter, Carol A. Vadenais and her husband Edmond of Bellingham; a son, John P. Richie Jr. and his wife Lin of Hummelstown, PA; his twin brother, Richard C. Richie of Northborough; a sister, Edith Lawrence of West Boylston; three grandchildren, Keith Woodman, Nicholas Richie and Marina Richie; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Americo Ricci; two sisters, Helen Carter and Mary Challoner.
John, a son of the late Peter and Albertina (Ghetti) Ricci, was born in West Boylston, where he continued to live throughout his life. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade, class of 1946, and later received Bachelor and Master's degrees in Engineering.
John served his country in the United States Navy during World War II as a submariner, located in the South Pacific where he encountered much military action and received numerous medals for his efforts. After his duties, he worked as an Electrical Engineer and later a Sales Engineer for Norton Company and Warner & Swasey in Worcester, retiring in 1985. He later worked as a Sales Engineer for Control Gauge, retiring in the early 1990s.
John was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. He was also the Deputy Clerk and former assessor for the Town of West Boylston. He was active in the West Boylston Community Club and a member of the V.F.W Post 6907 and the American Legion Post 204 both in West Boylston.
John enjoyed many activities including golfing, gardening, fishing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the extraordinary doctors, nurses and staff at St. Vincent's Hospital for their concern and compassion in caring for John.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 12 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a Mass at 1 p.m. in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111Worcester St., West Boylston. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, West Boylston. A period of calling hours will be held Friday, Oct. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the funeral home prior to church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
To share your thoughts and memories of John, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
