Richard Willis Delphia

1933 - 2024

Richard Willis Delphia, 90, of Pittsfield, passed away on January 1, 2024 at Berkshire Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born in Pittsfield on May 2, 1933 to the late Harold Delphia and Ellen Tubbs Delphia.

Richard was educated in Pittsfield schools and later received his GED. He went on to attend classes at Berkshire Community College and received his Associate's Degree in Police Science in 1972.

He married his high school sweetheart, the former Teresa Gero of Pittsfield on April 7, 1956.

Richard began his career as a painter and wallpaper hanger before making a career with the Pittsfield Police Department. He began as a patrolman and worked his way up to detective, serving more than 25 years with the Department, retiring at age 55 in July, 1988.

He was a communicant of St. Teresa's Church, where he served on the Church Council, was Eucharistic Minister, was very active in the Church affairs, and worked there as a handyman for nearly 20 years. After the closing of the church, he and Teresa joined St. Joseph's Church, where they remained until his death.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, boating, golfing, and camping. Richard also was very active in Veterans affairs, being a member of the Williamstown VFW Legion Post 152 where he served as rifleman in the Honor Guard. He participated in over 100 funerals honoring deceased veterans of Berkshire County.

Richard is survived by his wife Teresa, daughter Anne Barber and husband Gene, daughter Jean Delphia-Wolfe and daughter in-law Jessie Lyn, and daughter Mary Hoover. He is survived by 6 grandchildren, Brian and Norah Barber, Cassandra and Dominique Mitchell, and Alexandra and Samantha Hoover. Richard also leaves 5 great-grandchildren, Ka'Zahni and Knoxx Daniels, Kamaree Gibson, Neo Lopez, and Bryce Pratt. He is also survived by his sister Ellen O'Conner, 3 brothers, Joseph Collias, and Paul and William Delphia.

He was predeceased by his parents Harold Delphia and Ellen Tubbs Delphia, step-mother Myrtle Delphia, sister Bernice Desrosiers, and 2 brothers Harold and Moses Delphia.

The family would like to thank the staff at Berkshire Medical Center, as well as Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, for their outstanding care and compassion for Richard.

Funeral Notice: Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 at 9 AM at St. Joseph's Church, North Street, Pittsfield, MA with burial to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Richard's honor to the Warrior For Life Fund which focuses their support to active duty, veterans, and their families through sports and community found online at www.warriorforlifefund.org