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Richard Preston Obituary
He leaves his 3 sons: Steven Preston of Worcester, Darren Preston of Springfield, and Matthew Preston of Leicester; a grandson, Jakob Preston of Raleigh, N.C. and 2 step-daughters: Cindy Berthiaume of Leicester and Annette Gregory of Oxford. He leaves many niece, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is survived by his twin brother, Robert Preston of Holden, Lawrence Preston of Plainfield, MA and his sisters, Maureen DeSimone and her husband Anthony of Fontana, CA and Linda Preston of Millbury, MA. His sister, Carol predeceased him in 1956. His mother, Shirley (Goodney) Preston, died in 1975, and his father, Lawrence Preston died in 1968.
Richard, at the time of his death, was self-employed and running his photocopy sales and service business. He had many passions, hosting 'Worcester Today' and producing 'Thru the Lens' for WCCA-TV 14. He also enjoyed spending time hiking through the Quabbin. Photography/videography and writing consumed much of his time in recent years. He was an accomplished writer, who at one time wrote for the Leominster Weekly, as well as other area newspapers. He was the proud author of 3 completed, as yet, unpublished novels with a 4th one in the works at the time of his death.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday July 9th from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M at the Graham, Putnam and Mahoney Funeral Home at 838 Main St. in Worcester, MA; followed by a service in the funeral home. Burial will follow immediately after the service in Hope Cemetery.
There will be a celebration of Richard's life immediately following the burial (1:00 P.M) at the American Legion Post #341 at 1023 Main St. in Worcester, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richard W. Preston Memorial Fund, Webster 5 Cent Savings Bank, 278 Park Ave., Worcester, MA 01609.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Preston
Diane Preston
August 2, 2009
Dickie ,
Thank you for the good memories and
for our wonderful Sons you blessed
me with .
Rest in peace Dickie
Diane
Steven Preston
July 20, 2009
Dad
I miss you and love you. Sorry I didn't have the chance to say goodbye. I will always remember the good times we had at the Big E and the Quabbin.I wish you weren't taken so soon. You will be in my heart forever, I will cherish all of our memories. Love, Your Son Steven
Robert Preston
July 15, 2009
Its been a little over a year since you have passed away and oh I miss you so terribly, especially all our wonderful conversations and our many times together at the house. Our wonderful trips to different places. I have not forgotten you and pray for you each day that we will be together again to enjoy life in eternity with no sickness, money worries and join our families again, until then may you rest in eternal peace knowing that God has everything in place and all works to his will Love you and miss you Bobby
TerryLynn Caisse Foley
July 9, 2009
Dear Dicky,
I will ever think of you with fondness, a smile, and a song in my heart. Thank you for being so kinnd to a lonely little girl. I miss you my friend.
Maureen DeSimone
July 3, 2009
On the first anniversary of one of the greatest losses of my life, I am finally finding peace. I believe you are in a better place and free of earthly obstacles and pain. I will always miss you and, I will always treasure my wonderful memories of all the years we shared.
I miss you and I love you.
Rest in peace my dear, dear, brother.
Cindy Berthiaume
June 30, 2009
Dear Dicky
Today you have defined born again,as you are alive and well.My thoughts are sad that you are not here to celerbrate with family,though I know you are making your presence known as you whisper in my heart it is well with my soul.....Love and Miss You.. Happiest of all birthdays to you, Love Cindy
Maureen DeSimone
April 12, 2009
It's Easter and it's a very pretty day. I think of all the Easters in the past when we were kids, hunting for our Easter goodies and delving into the eggs. Good times, glad I have the memories. Always missing my dear brother.
Maureen DeSimone
December 25, 2008
It's Christmas, I miss you terribly.
Maureen DeSimone
November 27, 2008
Richard, it's Thanksgiving and my thoughts are constantly replaying the many Thanksgivings of the past, when we were young and all together. With all that I have to be thankful for, and I am, I can't fill the empty void inside, the place which aches with the loss of you, my dear brother. I will always be grateful for the years I did get to share with you. You were a terrific person. I miss you.
Cindy
November 6, 2008
Today is November 6TH. We now have a new president, we made history with our first non caucasian president.
Its difficult to think that you have been gone four months, it was a pretty foliage season, I think of you often,still in disbelief that you are not here to enjoy the days.Your grandchildren are getting so big,I am sorry they will not have the opportunity to know you nor you them.This brings me to a very important part of my life with you. I regret never taking the opportunity to thank you for stepping up to the plate, partaking in a large part of my upbringing.Your influence on me has contributed to me being the person I am today.I thank You, Yes, you and Mom did do something right,and the five of us are proof of that.Always remember that I love you and miss you immensely.Please tell all those who I love that I miss them.and eagerly await the day of reuniting.Til then may peace prevail.
LORI FRIETZE
October 8, 2008
I MISS YOU!
Annette Bouvier
September 15, 2008
Steven,Darren, Matthew
I pray that the memories you have of Dad get you thru the tough times . I know Dad and I have had our differences but Deep down in my Heart I still love him and I blew the chance to tell him so. So please dont hold your feelings back tell the person what you feel you only have one chance to do it . And don't hold a grudge it takes up too much room in your heart were love should be. I love you very much Guys . Dad would be proud of you guys how well you worked together to take care of his personal affairs . You've all grown up to be fine young men.
Jennifer Lachapelle
August 14, 2008
My uncle Dickie- such a sad loss to our family and your many, many friends.
I have tons of memories of my uncle... most of which make me smile and laugh... He was a wonderful, loving, caring, hysterically funny and giving man. I loved listening to him and my father (his twin brother, Robert) tell their many childhood stories- the excitement and animation was usually enough to get me laughing so hard I was crying!
He will be missed very much and by many.
MAUREEN DESIMONE
August 14, 2008
Today is August 13th, Richard should have arrived today for a vacation with us. We had such wonderful plans, they are carried out in my mind daily. My heart is heavy, my grief is great. I miss you
so, my brother.
marylin laramie
August 10, 2008
Oh Richard, I have the letter you wrote JUly 1. I have it here by my side as a reminder that I will not get my letters anymore. You really loved the stories about rural Neb. and the simple quaint life here. To say I miss you is really not enough. I will always remember my twinnies and the fun we had. I love you. Aunty Marylin
Darren Preston
July 29, 2008
Dad,
I cannot put my feelings into words, for how do you describe love, grief and sorrow. I'm so glad God allowed us to have a rekindled relationship which I will always treasure. I miss our talks about life, politics, and spirituality. I didn't always agree with you, or you with me, but I always listened, always. I want you to know that you have planted the seed, now it's up to me to nurture it and let it grow. Remember the prayer that we said that night, it's coming more to fruitition everyday. I may have lost my father, but I gained a guardian angel. I don't know why you had to go, but god will not give me more than I can handle, so I try to not lean on my own understanding, but to wait to be shown. Dad, I love you, I always will. Until we see each other again, please keep guiding me and watching me grow. I miss you.
Darren
MAUREEN DESIMONE
July 27, 2008
If my beloved brother Richard could speak to us, I like to think this is what he might say;
I am home in Heaven, loved ones;
All the pain and suffering is over;
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home at last.
He will be desperately missed. But he will live with me forever, in my heart.
Faith Gustafson
July 18, 2008
July 3rd. I waited for voices to say & the words to hear to make it all go away. The next few days were busy with preparations, tears, comforting & oppresively hot weather. It is hard to breath.
July 9th Today Dear Friend we laid you to your earthly rest. Everywhere, the sun was magnified, the wind quiet. Did I hear something, a voice? A prayer to lift me up? It is too quiet, slow motion, surreal.
July 10 Dear Friend Dickie, Today the weather "lifted" as if with you! The sky is paradise blue, the sun is kind. There is movement in the wind & everywhere. I can breath. I see your smiling face in the clouds & hear the voice "Believe in me for I was meant for tasting dreams. Life is not always what it seems. There is something here for each of you & it is all perfect". Just as you, too, Dear Friend, are perfect. I will miss you many, many times.
Love, Faith
Taken one month ago at his place
July 18, 2008
Ronald LeRoy
July 18, 2008
To my life long friend, I knew for over 50 years, since I was 15 year old. In those days
We would climb to the tallest buildings, and play on the railroad tracks. We would drink
GIQ’s a large bottle of beer and split it among ourselves. We would play in old abandon
Buildings, and look for treasure.
As we grew older, we parted ways for a while when Dick went in the Air force. As the years
Past we would get together and go out for a few beers and remiss about old times.
Dick way easy to talk to on any subject, and he would respect my views. IN the last few years
We would have long talks and found we were comparable with each other. Dick consider
Me his friend and do did I.
I will miss his calls when we would something talk for hours, He passed away on an upbeat
Day when he was happy, he was doing a good deed for a School and donating a copier, that
Was in good condition, and knew they didn’t have the resources to buy. I hope he is in a
Happier place, and at peace. I will miss him, and I’ll never forget him.
Ronald LeRoy
That best portion of a good mans life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.
July 18, 2008
Your sister Maureen
July 17, 2008
God saw that you were getting tired,
And a cure was not to be;
So He picked you up in His arms
And whispered, "Come with Me".
Although we loved you dearly,
We couldn't make you stay.
A heart of gold stopped beating.
Your tired eyes laid to rest;
God broke our hearts to prove it,
He only takes the best.
When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.
July 17, 2008
Tony (Desi) DeSimone
July 16, 2008
Brother-in-law, I will miss all of our discussions, especially the ones we had so much fun disagreeing over, which were few, but I will mostly miss the laughter we shared. I was looking forward to your visit in August, I'm certain you would have enjoyed the plans we had for you in the mountains. I am terribly saddened you're no longer with us, but all the memories of all the years I have known you, will be with me the rest of my life. One day we will get together and once again have more of those great conversations. A great guy Richard, you made a difference.
Larry Preston
July 16, 2008
I love you my big brother. I miss you.
Julian St.Clere-Smithe
July 15, 2008
To all dear friends and relatives of Richard Preston,
Greetings from London, England.
I was very shocked and saddened to receive the news today 4th July that my good friend Richard Preston had passed away the previous day 3rd July.
I can say without any hesitation whatsoever that Richard was my closest friend in the United States.
Over the previous few summers that I have come over and visited Massachusetts, I have enjoyed many wonderful times of comradery and friendship with Richard, as he shared with me some of his favourite places in New England.
From the very first time that I met him a few years ago, Richard knowing that I was a visitor to your country went out of his way to make me feel welcome and at home.
I was so glad that I was able to come over for the funeral to mourn his death and celebrate his life.
I thank the Lord God that I had the great blessing of meeting Richard, becoming his good friend and will sadly miss him for the rest of my days.
You will all be in my thoughts and prayers at home here in England.
Yours Sincerely,
With Christian love,
Dalia Thornton
July 13, 2008
I would like to send my love and sympathy to maureen and all her family in the loss of her brother. May all the good memories you all made throughout the years give you comfort.
Joanne Robinson
July 12, 2008
I didn't know Richard personally, however Joanie Jefferson is a very dear friend of mine. Over the years I've heard many wonderful things about Richard. My prayers are with all the family. There are many comforting scriptures for us. The Psalmist said in Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."
Carol (Goodney) Bates
July 12, 2008
I have not seen Bobbie and Dickie since they were little children. Their mother, Shirley, was my first cousin and I used to babysit with them along with my cousin, Marilyn.
I was saddened to hear of the loss to Bobbie, Maureen and the rest of the family. How sad that families lose touch with each other due to geography and life circumstances. From reading the other entries, it appears that I have missed knowing a very special person - a loss for me.
Gail Maddox
July 12, 2008
To the family of Richard Preston:
I didn't know Richard very long, but he was a dear friend, very inspiring. He was helping me with my writing. He was a kind person, a delightful man. I miss him dearly.
My sincere condolences to you,
Alex Jefferson
July 12, 2008
My dear friend, my Uncle, I miss you and our talks. I will miss the trips we would take, we always had so much fun. Watching boxing will never be the same. One day we will be together again and we will have a lot to catch up on. Til then my friend, love you!
Lori Frietze
July 11, 2008
Uncle dickie,
So many memories come to mind when i think of you. I remember the last time you came to ca. for a visit. We had so much FUN. I find peace knowing you are reunited with your mom and sister in law. I will miss you and will visit you in my dreams. I love you!
David Castleman
July 11, 2008
My deepest, sincere, and heartfelt sympathies to Maureen for the loss of her beloved brother and to Joannie for the loss of her beloved uncle Richard.
July 10, 2008
Dear Richard, on more than one occasion you have said that the Lord will never give you more than what you can handle.Rest in peace my friend.
Anonymous
Bill Terrio
July 10, 2008
To the Preston family & friends,we had been in communication the past year or so regarding tombstones\gravemarkers on our great grandparents grave sites in Riverside,CA. Richard was always helpful with information and an upbeat,optimistic personality.May he rest in eternal peace. Cousin Bill & all the Terrio family.
Joanie Jefferson
July 9, 2008
My Dearest Uncle,
Your time has come so unexpectedly; I cannot even express how deeply it hurts. I only get comfort in knowing you are in a far better place than us and I WILL see you again. You are free from all the burdens, troubles, and sorrows life holds. I see you in my dreams and you are smiling and happy and that gives me great comfort.
To my entire family back east, I feel your pain and I want you to know that my prayers and love are with all of you now and always.
Love you all, Joanie
Al Shubin
July 9, 2008
To the Family of Richard Preston;
Few times in lifes journey do you meet an individual who leaves an impression on you like Richard did.....Richard was that special person who left his mark on everyone he met.
My thoughts and Prayers are with the Family during this trying time.
Comprehensive Physical Therapy
July 9, 2008
All of us at Comprehensive Physical Therapy are deeply saddened to hear of Richards untimely death. He has been working with us since 1993. He sold us 2 copy machines and serviced them for 15 years. Richard was just at the clinic 2 saturdays ago and was happy and courteous as always. We will miss him.
Sandy Kurkoske
July 9, 2008
Dear Richard,
One of my dearest and oldest friends, words cannot express how much you will be missed. I was just thinking today how thankful I am that I did manager to answer your last letter right away, because in the past I would put it off until tomorrow and it would end up being weeks before I would finally get your letter answered, and now I only wish I had corresponded more often then I did. I am so grateful to have had you as a friend for the past 50 years. I will never forget the caring, loving, unselfish person you were, like the time that you knew how I was worried about My Aunt Barbara being in that nursing home and me being so many miles away and how I worried that she may not be having company to often, and how you surprised me by going to the nursing home and taking her out for an afternoon and calling me on the phone so I could talk to her while she was enjoying her visit with you, words cannot express how much that meant to me. I am sure there are hundreds of people that will have simular fond memories of you, Richard you were a great friend and as you and I always told each other good friend are worth more then gold. I will miss you but will find comfort knowing you are in better place.
Your Friend Sandy (Mosher) Kurkoske
Bobbie (and Nick) Chase
July 8, 2008
We are so sorry to learn of Richard's untimely death. We knew him for many years; he started out by servicing my copier at my school; and, when he went out on his own, we bought copiers through him and did a service contract with him for many years. Over the years, I got to know him as a person and found him to be kind,caring, bright, and a great human being. He became interested in speaking with a Holocaust survivor whom I know - Rabbi Goldstein from Beth Israel in Worcester - and I arranged a meeting for him. I still remember his sensitive reaction to the horrors of the Holocaust. I will miss him very much and may his soul rest in peace. Our condolences go to his family.
Adrian Zupp
July 8, 2008
To Richard's Family,
I knew Richard two years or a little more and a nicer man you wouldn't find. He was a reminder to me of how we all should be: kind to all and looking forward to each new day.
I pray that you will all find strength in the fact that Richard was much loved and respected. I was shocked and saddened to hear he'd left us yet, in truth, it is not so much how long you live but HOW you live. On that count, he was a great man who lived a full life. And you will see him again.
Donna Paradise
July 8, 2008
Matthew
I wanted to take a moment to address you personally you may not remember me because you were just a little boy when I hung out with Cindy many many years ago. However, I was sitting with your family at the Sunday service. My heart went out to you however, so many people were around you it can get very over whelming, so I stayed my distance. I want to take this time now to give you my deepest sympathy. Know everything will be ok the pain will fade in time. Your mom and family will be there to help as I know you will be there for them. As I said previously Dad has been chosen by God for the job of guardian angel he will be with you in the air you breath, the wind, sadness, happiness, and always in your heart. He knows how much you hurt right now but remeber you are his boy nothing will ever take that away. Please take care and remember your not alone. Dad is right by your side the rest of your living life.
Donna Paradise
July 8, 2008
Cindy, Annette, Steven, Darren and Matthew:
Remember a parents love never dies.
May you take comfort in knowing that Richard may not be there in human form, however, I believe he has been called upon by God to be a guardian angel. Apparenty one, a few, or all of you are in need or will be needing a guardian angel. (only God knows) So therefore, I believe he has chosen Richard because he knows he will be the best for the current and future job as guardian angel.
We as humans may not understand why, espeically so unexpected and in time of sorrow. But remember Father always knows best. Richard will always be there in your time of need and time of joy just as he was when he was here on earth only now he is an angel of god. All you have to do is feel him through the wind and in your heart. Prays are with you all.
Denise Dickinson
July 8, 2008
ReRe
You have been a dear friend for years and years, saw me through many turmoils and upheavals and still supported and kept me in your prayers. You were a true friend, one I will always treasure. I am glad you were happy living at the house in Springfield and enjoying what you loved most: writing, going to the parks, feeding the ducks and birds, visiting, hanging out at the Legion, and being with family and friends.
Robert Preston
July 8, 2008
My Brother My Friend My Twin
Though we are now apart, it is only temporary, eternity is coming and I will be seeing you again. Until now Dicky I will await the time of my earthly sojourn in prayer.
"When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true. Death has been swallowed up in in victory. Where, O death is your victory?. Where O death is your sting? Thge sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory though our Lord Jesus Christ
I Corinthians 15: Vs 54-57
John & Katie Blunt
July 8, 2008
To all of Richard's Family and Friends:
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
Friends from LHS
July 8, 2008
To the entire Preston family,
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it's the memories of you that are the most precious.
Chris Palmer
July 8, 2008
Dear Richard
I haven't known you very long, but I thought you were a great guy. Very knowledgable, friendly, and easy going. You were getting to be like one of the family. I will miss chatting with you and especially miss our philosophical debates. You are sadly missed, but I take comfort knowing that you are with God now.
My condolences to the family
Maureen DeSimone
July 8, 2008
My brother, my friend. Oh how you will be missed! My heart is heavy, the pain is so deep, I only find consolation in knowing you're in a better place, free of worry, strife, and pain. You made such a difference to so many lives, touched so many. I will always be thankful you were a part of my life for as long as you have been. My life has been made richer by far, by knowing you.
I will miss you dearly, until we meet again, I love you so. So long for now brother, Reenie
Cindy Berthiaume
July 8, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
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