Brookfield/Hudson – Richard F. Pope, 76, of Brookfield, formerly of Hudson, died Tuesday March 15, 2011 at UMass Memorial Healthcare, University Campus, in Worcester. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carolyn (O”Neil) Pope of Brookfield. Happily married for 49 years, the Popes would have celebrated their Golden Anniversary in April.
Born in Marlborough and raised in Hudson, son of the late Daniel and Catherine (Lanigan) Pope, he attended local schools and was a 1954 graduate of Hudson High School, where he was a star athlete and lettered in both basketball and football. He was a Korean War veteran, serving as a Gunner's Mate for four years as a proud member of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Mr. Pope was a police officer with the Hudson Police Department for 31 years. Upon entering the force, he served first as a patrolman walking the beat. This soon was followed by years on cruiser duty and finally to his position as meter officer. He not only enforced the law, but brought his good natured personality to Main Street. He gave each meter a special name, but “Susie” was his favorite! It was a common sight to see him at Christmas time blowing his whistle to the tune of “Jingle Bells” while directing traffic. It was this sense of humor and easy laugh that brought a smile to the citizens of Hudson.
He was a member of the former Knights of Columbus in Hudson, a member of the Hudson Elks, Hudson Police Association and Massachusetts Police Association.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Laura Sweeney and her husband, Robert, and three grandsons, Collin, Owen and Daniel Sweeney, all of Oakham. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy McDonald of Hudson; his niece, Marykate McDonald of Worcester; and nephew, Shawn McDonald of York, Maine. He was predeceased by his son, Stephen Pope, in 2008 and was the brother of the late Daniel F. Pope and Arlene Gird.
Mr. Pope will be remembered as a loving and generous man who was always thinking of his family. He was friendly and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a loving grandfather who took great joy in watching his grandsons excel in basketball, baseball and football. His favorite advice to them was “Use your head.” His presence at these sporting events will be sorely missed.
A funeral Mass was celebrated March 19 from Saint Michael's Church in Hudson, with burial at Saint Michael's Cemetery. The Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
