Richard H. Rawson, Jr., 78, of Worcester, died Friday, March 26, 2010 at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with lung cancer.

    He leaves his cherished wife of 53 years, Shirley (Brunelle) Rawson; his children, Henry Rawson of Worcester, Sharon Hopkins and her husband Robert of Holden, Richard Rawson and his wife Laudiane of Worcester, Cheryl Fantasia and her husband Anthony of Worcester, Brian Rawson and his wife Nancy of Worcester, Shirley Rawson and her husband Anthony George of Worcester, Martin Rawson and his wife Amy of Worcester and Denise Grasseschi and her husband Michael of Rutland; and his 13 grandchildren, Erin and Stephanie Boylan, Richard Rawson Jr., Igo Rawson, Anthony Fantasia Jr., Michael and Matthew Fantasia, Christopher Charest, Paige and Gavin Rawson, and Dominic, Zachary and Joseph Grasseschi. He also leaves his beloved dog, Angel.

    He was predeceased by two grandsons, Edward and Aaron Rawson.

    Richard was born in Worcester, son of Richard H. Rawson, Sr. and Ada (Ward) Rawson. He graduated from Commerce High School and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

    Richard was a bus operator for the Worcester Regional Transit Authority for 22 years, retiring in 1997.

    He enjoyed gardening and fishing. He was an avid sports fan and followed closely the Red Sox and Patriots.

    The Rawson family thanks Dr. Rooney and the staff at St. Vincent Hospital, and VNA Hospice for their skilled and compassionate care.

    Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Sunday, March 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. with a service to follow at 4 p.m. Burial will be private.

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society , 30 Speen St., Framingham 01701.