Hudson – Vaughn E. Rich, 86, of Hudson, died unexpectedly Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014 at his residence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Gwendolyn B. (Thompson) Rich of Hudson.
Vaughn was born and raised in Waltham, son of the late Reuben and Vernita (Whitman) Rich. He attended local schools and was a 1947 graduate of Waltham High School.
In 1958, Vaughn founded Rich's Auto Parts which he owned and operated in Hudson for many years until retiring in 2007. He was a member of the First Federated Church in Hudson and the Lake Shore Park Association in Gilford, N.H.
Vaughn had many interests in his spare time, such as fishing and boating. He especially enjoyed the many trips to Lake Shore Park in Gilford, N.H. during the summer months. Most of all, he cherished the time he shared with his family, especially his loving grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. The Friday night dinners with the boys won's be the same without him. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Judith Mitchell and her husband Robert, Cynthia DeArcangelis and her husband Paul, David Rich and his partner Diane Graham, Cheryl Matthew and her husband Paul, all of Hudson, and Patty Donnellon and her husband Walter of Marlborough. He also leaves his 13 grandchildren, Wendy Mitchell-Cunningham, Joseph and Jamie Mitchell, Amy, Paul and Lori DeArcangelis, Dana Rich, Kelcy Rich-Porizky, Kristen and Rachel Matthew, Briana and Michael Donnellon, and Chelsea Graham; his six great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Soleil Mitchell, Jordan Mitchell, and Ryleigh, Marley, and Casey Cunningham; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service and celebration of Vaughn's life will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m., in the First Federated Church, 200 Central St., Hudson. Burial will follow in Forestvale Cemetery of Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Vaughn may be made to the St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.