Obituary for James Edwin Rich Sr.
James E. Rich, 90, a longtime Chelmsford resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 20, 2018 after a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Rosemary (Carr) Rich, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. Born in Menands, New York, on October 8, 1927, Jim was one of 7 children born to Walter Rich and Pearl (Hotaling) Rich. At a young age, he moved with his family to Newton. Enlisting in the Navy at age 17, Jim was a World War II veteran who served in Okinawa and China. After his military service, Jim completed his education, graduating from Newton High School and Burdett College. He retired from Raytheon Company in 1992 after 42 years in International and Government Marketing. Jim was an active member of the Central Congregational Church in Chelmsford, where he was a Deacon and a Trustee, and which he served as the head usher for many years. Jim was a Mason, belonging to the William North Lodge, Lowell; Scottish Rites, Boston and Lowell; and Aleppo Shrine Temple, Wilmington. He was a Chelmsford Town Meeting Representative, and the Committee Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 212.
Jim and his late wife Rosemary were married in 1951 and lived in Newton until 1961, when they moved to Chelmsford to raise their five children. They enjoyed following their children’s and grandchildren’s activities, attending many athletic events. After Jim’s retirement, he became an avid golfer and traveled extensively with Rosemary.
Jim is survived by his children, James E. Rich, Jr. and his wife, Jacqueline of Manchester, MA, William F. Rich and his life partner, Michael Fowler of Andover, MA, Bruce C. Rich and his wife Margaret of Newburyport, MA, Steven A. Rich and his wife, Sharon of Sandwich, MA, and Linda E. Rich of Worcester, MA, ten grandchildren, Bruce, Sarah, Eddie, Jenny, Timmy, Brandon, Meghan, Erica, Morgan and Jake, four great grandchildren, Max, Sebbie, George and Benjamin, and a sister-in-law, Marion Rich. He was the brother of Mary Jorgensen, Mildred Gilbert, Walter Rich, Franklin Rich, Paul Rich and Robert Rich, all of whom predeceased him. Jim’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 29 at 12:30 P.M. in the Central Congregational Church, 1 Worthen Street, Chelmsford. A collation will follow the funeral service. Interment will be held privately. There will be no visiting hours. For those who wish, donations in loving memory of Jim can be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston, Development Office, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/boston); or to the Central Congregational Church, 1 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824.
Jim and his late wife Rosemary were married in 1951 and lived in Newton until 1961, when they moved to Chelmsford to raise their five children. They enjoyed following their children’s and grandchildren’s activities, attending many athletic events. After Jim’s retirement, he became an avid golfer and traveled extensively with Rosemary.
Jim is survived by his children, James E. Rich, Jr. and his wife, Jacqueline of Manchester, MA, William F. Rich and his life partner, Michael Fowler of Andover, MA, Bruce C. Rich and his wife Margaret of Newburyport, MA, Steven A. Rich and his wife, Sharon of Sandwich, MA, and Linda E. Rich of Worcester, MA, ten grandchildren, Bruce, Sarah, Eddie, Jenny, Timmy, Brandon, Meghan, Erica, Morgan and Jake, four great grandchildren, Max, Sebbie, George and Benjamin, and a sister-in-law, Marion Rich. He was the brother of Mary Jorgensen, Mildred Gilbert, Walter Rich, Franklin Rich, Paul Rich and Robert Rich, all of whom predeceased him. Jim’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 29 at 12:30 P.M. in the Central Congregational Church, 1 Worthen Street, Chelmsford. A collation will follow the funeral service. Interment will be held privately. There will be no visiting hours. For those who wish, donations in loving memory of Jim can be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston, Development Office, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/boston); or to the Central Congregational Church, 1 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824.