Richard E. Jerrold

Richard E. Jerrold 1926 - 2013 MIDDLEETOWN, CT - Richard Jerrold, 87 of Middletown, CT, formerly of Chicopee and Springfield MA, passed away peacefully in the arms of family in the early hours of September 2, 2013 in Hospice Care at the Middlesex Hospital in CT. Richard was born in Springfield on July 17, 1926 to Harry and Dorothy Jerrold where he lived for 42 years before moving to Chicopee. He graduated from Springfield Technical High School in 1944 where he was the captain of the 1943 championship soccer team, he was also an honor student and the winner of the Bausch & Lomb science medal for outstanding studies in science and math, and a lifetime member of the Pro-Merito Honor Society. He joined the Air Force at age 17 and served during WWII in the Aleutian Islands where he was with the 11th Air Corps 404 Heavy Bomber group on the B-24s. He was awarded the American Defense Victory and Asiatic Pacific Campaign medals. He retired after 25 years of service from CPC Rexcel Plastics in Ludlow, MA. He was an avid Yankees fan, enjoyed collecting music boxes and teddy bears. He also enjoyed traveling abroad, bowling and coaching little league. One of his favorite vacation spots was with his family at Misquamicut Beach. He was a foster father to many children in his lifetime, adopting one. He most recently participated in the American Warriors Project trip to Washington DC. He is survived by his daughters Cathy and Mark Levy of Hampton VA, Nancy and Chris Castendyk of Sturbridge, MA, Kelly and Peter P. Alison of Middletown, CT, Rebecca and Kevin Burney of Florence, MA and at last count fourteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and extended loving family across the country. He addition to his parents he preceded by his siblings, Douglas, Harry Jr., Connie, and Marjorie Jean, his wife Marjorie (Robson) Jerrold, his son Stephen Jerrold, and step-son George Pratt. Service is Monday the 9th at noon at Hillcrest Park Cemetery at 895 Parker St., Spfld, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Richards favorite charity, Smile Train, or to the American Warriors Project, or the Hospice Care Center at Middlesex Hospital in CT.