Sept. 5, 1937 ~ Jan. 24, 2025
Marlborough – Richard “Dick” J. Stemple (87) of Marlborough passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2025 in Milford Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family, friends.
Dick was born in Toledo, OH, the loving son of the late Jack C. and Veronica E. (Schmitt) Stemple.
Dick graduated from Central Catholic High School in Toledo, OH, where he also fought and won Golden Glove Championships in boxing.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 -1960. Through the 60’s and 70’s. Richard worked in Data security for NASCO, General Dynamics, and First Union Bank in San Diego, CA. Later in the 80’s and 90’s, he worked security in Simi Valley, CA, then transitioned to Arkansas where he became a police officer for the Federal Reserve Bank in Little Rock. Dick was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years in California and Arkansas. Throughout his life he loved to ride motorcycles in California from Running Springs to San Bernardino, from Fallbrook to San Diego, and all over Arkansas with the Blue Knights MC. Later in life he wrote poems and a book about his boxing career. Dick loved his home state of Ohio and especially loved being a Buckeye.
Dick was a beloved father and is survived by his son, Richard P. Stemple of Marlborough; loving grandfather of 3 grandsons, Nathaniel, Noah, and Nealon; devoted brother to his sister, Carol A. Stein of OH; sister-in-law Lorraine; nieces Tammy, and Kari; nephews Billy, John, Steve, Jenny and Tina; as well as great nieces and nephews Alex, Christy, Chase, Skyler, and Blake, and many more cousins.
He was predeceased by his brother who was his close friend and sparring partner William J. Stemple.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, at 5pm-7 pm in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 7, at 11am at St. Bernadette Church, 266 Main St, Northborough, MA. Graveside service will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, 133 Wilson St., Marlborough, MA.