Richard A. Blodgett

SPRINGFIELD

Richard Arthur Blodgett passed away peacefully on May 7 at Baystate Medical Center after a valiant fight to overcome many health challenges.  Throughout his battle to his very last breath, he was surrounded by the prayerful support, admiration, love, and gratitude of family and friends.

Richard was born on October 27, 1953 in Holyoke, MA, the youngest son of Wilmer G. and Laura M. (Goss) Blodgett.  He attended Holyoke Public Schools and graduated from Holyoke High School, the Class of 1971.  He earned an A.A. degree from Holyoke Community College. 

On October 19, 1985, Richard was united in marriage to Mary Derby of West Springfield at the United Methodist Church of South Hadley.  Mary was the love of his life and they enjoyed 38 great years together before her passing in 2018.  They loved simple things like evening dinners at home and enjoyed travels to Alaska, Hawaii, Plum Island, Newport, RI and so much more.

Richard was a pioneer and trailblazer.  He developed a distinguished career in financial services and was a Senior Associate for First Investors, Inc. in Hartford, CT for 34 years.  He was gifted in building rapport and trust and providing excellent customer service for his clients.  In addition, Richard was a mentor, coach and referee for youth sports, a sportswriter for the Jewish Weekly News, and active in national and local politics.  Richard served as a member of the Pine Point Community Council in Springfield for 15 years and was known for his thoroughness and advocacy for small business. 

In his own unique style, Richard regularly dispensed his wisdom and personal convictions with his signature facial expressions and a touch of humor.  He loved classic rock music and was an avid Boston sports fan, often preferring to listen to games on the radio.  Richard was a faithful friend and neighbor and loved his family.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, his wife Mary, his sister Gail Ciesluk, and brother-in-law Kenneth Whalley.  Richard leaves behind sisters Marilyn Whalley of South Glens Falls, NY, Carol Blodgett of Palmer, Barbara Blodgett of Holyoke, brother Robert (Nancy) Blodgett of Chicopee, brother-in-law Walter Ciesluk of Chelmsford, and sister-in-law Joanne (Alan) Berte of Hampden. He is also greatly missed by eleven nieces and nephews whom he adored and other treasured extended family members.

God bless Richard and keep him safely in Your care.  A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:00am in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St., Holyoke.  Interment will follow in Forestdale Cemetery, Holyoke.

The Blodgett family would like to thank the entire staff at Baystate Medical Center for the extraordinary dedication, love, and sensitivity with which they cared for Richard and his family during this time.

The service can be viewed at:  https://www.barryjfarrellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Richard-Blodgett  immediately following internment.

Video of service available below (click camera icon)

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