Richard R. Terpstra

Richard R. Terpstra, 56, of Edgebrook Drive in Boylston, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2008, in UMass Hospital, from complications of a liver transplant. Richard was a fighter, who, with a strong will, led a life full of love, caring, and the instinct to overcome adversity in life and in health. This strong will kept him going and to be an inspiration to the doctors, nurses, and those around him, for the many months he was hospitalized.

Richard was a counselor and night supervisor for many years, at Hope House, where he helped guide many men through their recovery, to become productive with their own lives. He had also worked as a truck driver for Worcester Sand and Gravel, and while in Florida, he worked in the automobile transportation delivery business.

Richard leaves his mother, Margaret "Peggy" (Burke) Trotto, with whom he lived; six sons, Matthew Terpstra and Raymond Terpstra both of Orlando, Ryan Waterman of Amesbury, Richard Madore of Revere, William LaFlash and his wife Beth of Kingston, New Hampshire, and Travis Davis of Worcester; two daughters, Toni Iott and her husband Peter of Sturbridge, and Nicole LaFlash of Hubbardston; six grandchildren; and a nephew, Michael DeFeudis of Tallahassee, Florida. His brother Donald DeFeudis, predeceased him in 2004, as did his father Richard F. Terpstra in 1978, and his step father, Matteo Trotto in 1997.

SERVICES: The funeral for Richard will be held Friday, August 22, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Anne's Church, 120 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 21, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Liver Transplant Team at UMass, in care of the Foundation, One Biotech, 365 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01655 or the charity of donor's choice.