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WHITINSVILLE ... Richard E. Piper, 71, died Friday, October 28, following a long, hard-fought battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Maureen (Mahan) Piper; two daughters, Kelley Gosselin, and her husband, Jim, of Northbridge, and Erin Proctor, and her husband, Collin, of Eastham; a brother, David W. Piper, and his wife, Jeanne, of Whitinsville; two grandchildren, Casey James Gosselin, and Colin Andrew Gosselin; and many close and dear friends.
Mr. Piper was born in Worcester, December 10, 1944, a son of Wendell and Viola (Hinchliffe) Piper, and lived his entire life in Whitinsville. He was a 1962 graduate of Northbridge High School, and a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Viet Nam Era, serving in Japan.
He was a console operator at Mass Electric, where he met his wife, for 34 years, prior to retiring in 2004. Previously, he worked at the former Phillip's Market in Whitinsville, and at the Whitin Machine Works.
Mr. Piper was a member of Saint Patrick's Church in Whitinsville, and the Brotherhood of Utility Workers, where he served as Treasurer for many years. He loved golf and spending time at Myrtle Beach. Everyone knew Rich for his wonderful sense of humor, and the deep, abiding love he had for his family.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM, Friday, November 4, in Saint Patrick's Church, Cross Street, Whitinsville. Burial, in Saint Patrick's Cemetery, will be at a later date. Calling Hours will be 4-7 PM, Thursday, November 3, in the Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville.
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Doris Lightbown (Ducharme)
A great friend since kindergarten and member of the B Street gang. I will remember Rich for his smile and warm greeting. He will be missed. Gone way too soon.
Marjorie Ebbeling (Smith)
R.I.P. Rich. I will always remember your friendliness and that beautiful singing voice.
Marge
Diane Henderson (Myers)
It is difficult to forget Rich's friendliness and mischievous nature at West End Elementary. He had a wonderful smile and I will remember his singing "Oh Shenendoah" and other songs at our high school graduation.
Diane Henderson Myers
William Kidd
Condolances to the family. Rich was a great classmate and a friend from B street and West End until high school. Will miss him.
Lucille Roy (Dover)
I was very sorry to read that Richie had passed away....he was always friendly, just a really nice guy.
Rest in peace, classmate........
Kenneth Pendergast
My first memories of Richie after moving back to Northbridge in the 8th grade were watching him bowl at Sparetime Lanes. He would throw lasers and the pins would explode. A bad string for him was a 110. For mere mortals it was great to hit 100. Sad to see him gone!
Janet Dupre (Sherman)
Will always remember his rendition of " O Holy Night ". What a great voice. I never hear that song without thinking of him. So sorry for his loss
Anne Vallee (Williams)
He was one of those people whose name described his talent -- he had a great set of pipes.
Richard Hathaway
Real sorry to hear about Rich. He was always a good friend & classmate.
Sincerely; Richard Hathaway
George Waters
Ritchie could do it all, good athlete, student, and a hard worker. I remember he earned a few cents a string setting up candle pins by hand at the Pythian Lanes under the Baker building and was a competitive bowler himself. Ritchie was always around with us for after school activities and always had a smile. I never remember him having a cross word with anyone. He had a good singing voice and sang for us often. He was a good friend.