Richard James Krumpus

Longtime Ashby resident

ASHBY -- Richard James Krumpus, 70, of Ashby, MA, went with the angels on February 6, 2012.

Richard was born on December 10, 1941 in Plainfield, NJ, to James Richard and Louise (Haggerty) Krumpus. Predeceased by his parents at an early age, he lived with his aunt and uncle, Kathleen and Edwin Phillips of Cooperstown, NY.

Richard is survived by his sister, Judy Krumpus, of Kinderhook, NY; also his companion, Betty Sears; and his good friend, Mike Pettibone. He also leaves his cousins, Jane Phillips Bushby, of Chestertown, MD, and Joan Phillips Clark of Cooperstown, NY, and Jack Meyer of Greenland, NH. He had fond memories of all the wonderful family reunions he attended.

He attended Cooperstown Central School Class of 1961 and recently enjoyed his 50th class reunion. He attended Burbank College in Massachusetts.

A Navy veteran, he proudly who took part in the historical 1962 Cuban Missile Blockade.

Richard worked as a Zookeeper at the Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA, and then in 1985 started his career with Massachusetts Water Resource Authority.

Richard had a keen interest in fossils and gems his whole life, and was a member of the Capital Mineral Club, Concord, NH. He also liked to garden, and enjoyed the company of his animals.

KRUMPUS -- Memorial services for Richard will be announced at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to either: St. Camillus Church, 333 Mechanic St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 or to the Non-Kill Animal Shelter, Sterling, MA 01464. The Smith-Mallahy-Masciarelli and the Fitchburg Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 243 Water St., Fitchburg, is directing Funeral arrangements. See www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net for further information.