Richard A. Elwell

1935 - 2022

Richard (a/k/a Dick, Deek, Beepie) Arnold Elwell passed away peacefully last week, after a courageous 15-year battle with cancer. Richard was born in Pittsfield, MA on August 29, 1935, to Richard and Albina (Arnold) Elwell. He graduated Pittsfield High School in 1953, where he was a standout football and baseball player. He worked as a telephone repair man until his retirement in 1991. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sandra Ann (Garnish) Elwell of Adams, daughter Jackie Kelley of Milford, MA, and sons Tom Elwell of Hamden, CT and Chris Elwell of Edgartown, MA. He's also survived by grandchildren Mike Kelly of Bourne, MA, Patrick Kelley of Wrentham, MA, Sarah Elwell of Washington, DC, Amy Elwell of Frederica, DE, Elizabeth (Elwell) Gebo of West Tisbury, MA and Alexander Elwell of Waltham, MA. His great grandchildren Ty and Drew Kelley, Isabella Gebo, and Richard, Edward and Martha Joy Elwell also survive him. Dick was an avid skier and softball player, and average golfer. He is known by a generation of Adams men as "Coach Elwell." In 12 seasons, Dick compiled a 92-7 record and won 10 Berkshire County Football league championships. Dick was an accomplished model railroader. His Hoosac Valley Railroad is considered one of the top model layouts in the country for its fall scenery and detail. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 28, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams. The family will greet guest at the church beginning at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Richard's name be made to Berkshire County Youth Football, 136 East Road, Adams, MA 01220 or The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, PO Box 160, Hatfield, MA 01038. The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com.