Richard W. Austin

Richard W. Austin, 80, died peacefully on Thursday afternoon, July 23, 2020 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born in Springfield, a son of the late James J. and Charlotte (Schoppe) Austin, and was raised in Feeding Hills where he met the love of his life Cherolyn Safford. He attended Agawam High School, enlisted in the Navy, and served aboard the USS Roosevelt from 1957-1960. Rick was employed at Riverside Park as the Food Service Manager at the Grove along with his wife and children who enjoyed working by his side for many years. After leaving Riverside Park, he was employed as a cook at several local nursing homes including his parents’ nursing home in Brimfield. Rick and Cherolyn loved road trips and were fortunate enough to travel extensively site seeing and visiting family throughout the continental United States by automobile. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 55 years, Cherolyn R. (Safford) Austin and leaves six caring and supportive children, John F. Austin (Annie), Colleen M. Kerr (Chris), Tim P. Austin (Julie), Shannon K. Austin (Rob), Kelley C. Galindez (Jose), Jamie J. Austin (April); 18 grandchildren, Sean, Erin, Meaghan, Mikey, Emilie, Kayla, Andrew, Tiffany, Devin, Zachary, Savannah, Riana, Emma, Timmy Jr., Cadyn, Elijah, Logan, and Angelina; 14 great-grandchildren, Michael, Dillon, Gabriel, Ezequiel, Jayson, Giovanni, Ashlyn, Mia, Jazlyn, Sebastian, Emberlyn, Scarlett, Aavrianna, and soon to arrive JJ; his sister Judy Bennett of Pensacola, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his brother Eddie and his sister Pat, nephew Sean, and his niece Dori. His family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Cheryl Reynolds and Cheryl Hastings at Beacon Hospice for the loving care, compassion and support provided to Rick during his extended illness. Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118. Due to pandemic and the numeric limitations, his funeral service will be private on Wednesday morning and burial and military honors will be held at a later date at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Contributions in his name may be directed to Beacon Hospice, 815 Worcester St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151 or to the St. Jude Children‘s research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.