RICHARD G. ROCHEFORD

     Richard G. Rocheford, 93, retired Deputy Fire Chief, passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018, with family by his side.

Born in Worcester, November 11, 1924. Son of Charles and Margaret (Adams) Rocheford. He is predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Hester (Hanley). Hester passed away in January of 2018. He is also predeceased by his sister Shirley Hayes.

He leaves his children, Mark and his wife Linda of Worcester, Torbert and his wife Ann Katherine of Lafayette, Indiana and daughter Heather and her partner Kevin Flavin of Spencer; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was fondly referred to as “Chief”.

Richard grew up in Worcester and graduated from North High School in 1943. As a young child his family traveled throughout New England when the Rocheford Construction Company had large projects. The day after Richard graduated from North High School he entered the U.S. Navy. Assigned to the submariner division, he spent most of his years of service at the New London naval training academy and diesel school. He re-enlisted and spent time in Panama. After 4.5 years in the Navy he returned to Worcester and worked as a union carpenter and then joined the Worcester Fire Department in 1949. His first berth was the firehouse at Tatnuck Square. Retiring in 1985 as a Deputy Chief.

Richard and Hester were married in 1950. Together in 1953, Richard and Hester built their home on Rich Street in Tatnuck, living there for over 60 years. This home saw many good gatherings with family and friends. Richard and Hester enjoyed a long retirement, spending 27 wonderful winters at their home in N. Fort Meyers, Florida. Both played golf regularly and had many good friendships. For many years, Chief could be heard saying, “If I go tomorrow, I enjoyed yesterday.”

He was an avid golfer belonging to Hillcrest Country Club in Leicester and Riverbend Country Club in N. Fort Meyers, FL for many years. He was very proud of his 8 hole in ones and made it clear, that when his obituary was printed, he wanted it noted that ALL of these 8 hole in ones were on regulation courses. He played with the Growlers at Hillcrest and often coordinated and MC’d their year end banquets. He was a great tennis player in earlier years and enjoyed playing at the Worcester Tennis club. He was member of Christ the King Church and was active with their bowling league years ago. Hester and Dick enjoyed the weekend trips they took to Eastover with other firefighters and their wives. He was a good guy that always liked to fool and joke and make others smile.

Richard was a resident at Homestead Hall Rest Home in Worcester for over three years. The family would like to thank EVERYONE at Homestead Hall for their hard work, dedication and kindness. The family also thanks the Jewish Health Care Hospice Services for their work.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 8, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Wednesday, May 9, from the funeral home with a Mass at 11:30 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

The family asks that flowers be omitted and suggests donations may be made to the Worcester Historical Fire Society, 141 Grove St., Worcester 01605.