Charlton – Dr. Clyde Richard “Dick” Desper, 83, formerly of Acton and Hudson, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at the Charlton Manor Rest Home in Charlton, Mass, on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020.
Dick was born in Greenwood, Arkansas on December 14, 1937, the youngest of seven children to John and Eva Desper. He was raised in Taylorville, Illinois and even at an early age began to up excel at math and science. After his high school graduation Dick studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Dick continued his education achieving a Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While working on his doctorate degree, he met fellow chemistry student Beatrice Smith. They soon married and had five children.
Dick later divorced and married Laura Taylor. Dick and Laura enjoyed 32 years of marriage together. Dick enjoyed a long retirement after spending his career working for the U.S. Army. Dick and Laura joined a local real estate company where they enjoyed working together as part of the sales team.
He enjoyed researching Shakespeare and participating in the Oxford Society, keeping up with world politics, trips to the beach, eating out, watching movies and spending time with his family and friends. He was a longtime member of the Acton Congregational Church where he found purpose in many volunteering opportunities within. Dick enjoyed trivia and even tried out for Jeopardy. He was an avid football fan and loved his dog Buttons.
Dick is survived by his wife Laura, five children, Betty Gohr, John Desper, Beatrice Desper, Rick Desper, and Scott Desper, and his three stepdaughters, Lorna Helms, Cheryl Cook, and Cindy Bahceli, one grandson, William; three granddaughters, Laura, Marissa, and Jennifer; and one great-grandson, Jackson. Dick is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Due to the current restrictions in place due to Covid-19, all services for Dick were private, for the family.
Please consider directing any memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s’ Foundation, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (alz.org)
To leave a condolence or to share a story, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements were under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA.
