Northborough – Donald Harper Rich, 98, of Northborough, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2021 at UMass Memorial Hospital, Worcester.
Born in Shrewsbury and raised in Shrewsbury, Boylston, and Northborough, Donald was one of five children born to the late Irving and Bertha (Harper) Rich. He graduated from Northborough High School. Donald was in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Mojave, CA at the U.S. Naval Air Station. Donald attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Industrial Management.
Donald was a farmer in Northborough prior to working at Johnson Steel and Wire, Advanced Bearing, Dodge Manufacturing, Reliance Electric, and Morgan Construction Company. After retiring, Donald and his wife Phyllis worked restoring and selling antiques throughout New England.
Donald met the love of his life, Phyllis Louise Beckstrom, and on May 8, 1948, they married. Together they lived in Northborough for 72 years in the house they built.
In his free time, Donald enjoyed woodworking, fixing things, gardening, worldwide traveling and his grandchildren. He was the scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 1, Northborough and enjoyed camping and summer camp with the boys in the troop.
He leaves behind his children, Alan J. Rich and his wife Ethel of Fremont, NH and John K. Rich and his wife Susan of Pomfret Center, CT; his grandchildren, Jennifer Pollano, Pamela Sternberg, Matthew Rich, and Kristine Rich; as well as four great-grandchildren; his sister, Janet Morin of Northborough; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Donald was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis Rich; their son, James Rich; a brother, Robert Rich; and two sisters, Natalie Dupont and Beverly Codd.
In lieu of flowers, Donald’s family respectfully request that memorial donations be made to the Friends of the Northborough Free Library, Inc., 34 Main St., Northborough, MA 01532 or the Northborough Historical Society, Inc., 52 Main St., Northborough, MA 01532.
Honoring Donald’s request, all services will be private for his family. To leave a condolence for his family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
