1946 - 2026
Born in Upton, he was the son of the late Oscar and Christine (Whitney) Bates and spent his entire life in the town he called home. He was raised and educated in Upton, graduating from Nipmuc Regional High School, and proudly served his country in the United States National Guard.
Prior to his retirement, Richard was employed as a supervisor in the manufacturing department at Benjamin Moore Paint. Outside of work, he enjoyed seeing the world alongside his family and especially liked traveling to the Caribbean islands. A lifelong car enthusiast, he had a special fondness for Thunderbirds, Lincoln Town Cars, and Buick Rivieras. He also found enjoyment in quieter pastimes, including playing cards and coin collecting.
Richard is survived by his sister, Linda Johnson, and her husband, Bruce Johnson, of Millbury; along with his nieces and nephews, Steven St. Cyr, Candace White, Kevin St. Cyr, Jill St. Cyr, and Ryan Johnson.
He was predeceased by his sister, Beverly A. St. Cyr.
Burial in Maplewood Cemetery, Upton, will be held in the spring, with arrangements to be announced when weather permits.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to The Asher House, an animal sanctuary, P.O. Box 3548, Salem, OR 97302.
