Karl Richard

Karl L. Richard, 79, of Ludlow, passed away on Monday, July, 16, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. Karl was born in North Adams, MA, on February 20, 1939, the son of the late William and Doris (Felix) Richard. Karl was educated in the North Adams School System. He proudly served our country in the United States Army, the United States Reserves and the National Guard. He was employed in the RV industry for more than thirty-five years working for Diamond RV (formerly Minuteman RV) and retiring in 2003 from Longview RV. Being raised on a farm, Karl greatly enjoyed being outdoors working in his vegetable and flower gardens. He loved traveling and spent many vacations in Florida and the Dominican Republic.In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by six brothers, Billy, Albert, Gordon, Craig, Peter and Fred Richard and a sister, Betty Duprea. He is survived by his beloved wife of Twenty-seven years Rosemary (Wruck) Richard of Ludlow, five devoted children, Mark (Deb) Richard of East Longmeadow, Cheryl Pigeon, Tina Richard and Michelle (David) Smith all of Ludlow and Margo Harrington of Queensbury, NY., four brothers, Ronald (Connie) Richard of Ludlow, Francis (Lillian) Richard of Springfield, Gerald (Gloria) Richard of North Adams, Michael (Linda) Richard of Punta Gorda, FL, and three sisters, Doris McDonald of North Adams, Gloria Sturgeon of Springfield and Mary (Dick) Fontaine of Leigh Acres, FL. He also leaves nine cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Adam, Sydney, Brandon, Jennifer, Kevin, Timothy, Christopher and Chadd and a great-granddaughter Zita. A special thanks is given to Bruce Johnston for his love and friendship he has given Karl for more than sixty years since their meeting at Army basic training. A special acknowledgement and thank you goes out to the nurses, especially Rebecca, who gave such great care and respect to Karl and his family during this trying time.Family and friends will gather and remember Karl on Friday, July, 20, 2018 from 4 p.m. - 6p.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation and Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA, 01118, followed by a Life Celebration Service and military honors at 6p.m. Burial will be private at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Wounded Warrior Project, or the Disabled Veterans Association or to Baystate Hospice VNA in Springfield.