Richard Douglas Rich

     Richard Douglas Rich 86, son of Clinton H and Anna Lou Hayner, passed away at his home in Whitman, MA on November 10, 2023, after a battle with cancer. Dick was born in Chicago, IL November 30, 1936. At age 9, his family moved to Mexico City where he stayed until he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, earning a degree in chemical engineering. He completed his PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Maryland while working at the US Naval Ordnance Laboratory.

 

     Dick and Karen were long-time residents of Avon, CT when he worked for the Loctite Corporation. Dick served as president of the Avon Library Board and on the building committee for the new Avon Free Public Library. He was a supporter of credit unions, a fan of Bridge, Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit. One life-long interest was genealogy and he was past president of the Rich Family Association.  Family history was fun for him- doing research in libraries, then online and finally finding the missing piece of his family's puzzle. He connected with distant family and helped others but his greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. To family, he was Uncle Ricky, to others he was Rick, to college friends and work colleagues he was Dick and to all he was Richard. He wasn't fussy, but was a friend to all.

 

     Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Karen Lloyd Rich, his son Andrew L of Midland, MI, four grandpeople , Joshua L Erde (Elise Bare) of Los Angeles CA, Rachel Erde of Sydney, Australia, Ellora and Nikhil Rich of Hanover, MA and great granddaughter Ada M. Erde, his sister Edith  Dungan of Sarasota, FL as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, brothers E. Robert Rich and Donald C Rich and sister Patricia Shea Jennings.

 

     Funeral services will take place at the convenience of the family.