Richard W. Moriarty

Richard W. Moriarty, 84, of 38 Hardwick Road, died early Saturday morning, September 20, 2008, at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center-Campus, Worcester, following an illness.

Born on August 2, 1924 in Holyoke, he was a son of Matthew and Winifred (Farrell) Moriarty and moved from Holyoke to Petersham at the age of 5. He attended Petersham schools, graduating from Petersham High School. He attended Worcester Technical before the start of World War II, and following the war, graduated from Clark University in Worcester.

Richard was enlisted into the United States Army Air Force on April 12, 1943 and served as a flight engineer and made rank of Sergeant before his Honorable discharge on October 21, 1945.

He was married to Ellen (Gould) on October 22, 1955 and they would have celebrated their 53rd anniversary this Fall.

Richard was a data processing manager, starting with the former Union Twist Drill in Athol, later going to work for Litton Industries when they bought out UTD, and worked for over 40 years before retiring.

Active in the Town of Petersham, he served on the Planning Board, was a volunteer fireman on the Petersham Department, trustee of the Petersham Memorial Library, a lifetime member of the First Congregational Parish Unitarian Church where he also served on numerous church committees, served on the Town Democrat Committee, a volunteer for the Literacy Project in Orange, volunteered at the polls, and also was involved in the Petersham Crime Watch.

Survivors include his wife, Ellen Moriarty of Petersham; a son, Richard G. Moriarty of Petersham; a daughter, Susan P. Marshall, of Westminster; and a granddaughter, Laura A. Marshall, of Westminster.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Saturday afternoon, September 27, 2008, at 2:00PM at the First Congregational Parish Unitarian Church, on the Petersham Common, with Rev. Laura Holke, Pastor, officiating.

Interment in East Street Cemetery, is private. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to either the First Congregational Parish Unitarian Church, P.O. Box 305, Petersham, MA 01366, or to the Petersham Memorial Library, 23 Common Street, Petersham, MA 01366.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements. Guest register and directions are available online at

www.wittyfuneralhome.com