Richard H. "Dio Dick" Hildreth

Richard H. "Dio" "Dick" Hildreth, 92
Owner of the former Hildreth Variety Store

WESTMINSTER -- Richard H. Hildreth, 92, died at his home on June 6, 2016, after an illness.

His wife of 66 years, Ruth E. (Law) Hildreth died on April 25, 2013.

Richard leaves his five daughters, Linda A. Coifman of San Juan, P.R. and her late husband Daniel, Darlene G. Chuplis and her husband John of Auburn, AL, Donna L. Hjerpe and her husband William of Sanibel, FL, Robin K. Bernstein and her husband David of E. Harwich, and Roberta D. Young and her husband Douglas of Westminster, two sons, Richard C. Hildreth, and Charles H. Hildreth both of Westminster, 13 grandchildren, Tracy Coifman and his wife Agnes, Iliana Coifman, Alison Petersen and her husband Scott, Alexander Chuplis, Andrew Chuplis, Elisabeth Carlson and her husband Kevin, Katherine Manuel and her husband Paul, Rachel Bernstein, Nathan Young, Calvin Young, Megan Hildreth, Molly Hildreth, and Tyler Hildreth; nine great-grandchildren, Myles, Diego, Andrea, Sloane, Isabelle, John, Abigail, Grace, and Eli.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Rand L. Hildreth, Earl J. Hildreth and Charles H. Hildreth Jr.; and one sister, Dorothy Pennery.

Richard was born in Worcester on May 10, 1924 a son of the late Charles H. and Mae A (Patrick) Hildreth. He was a graduate of North High School and Worcester Junior College. He was an All Star City Athlete, in Baseball and Basketball. He was a professional baseball player; playing for the Boston Braves during the 1942 season and for the Philadelphia Athletics from 1947-1950. Richard served in the US Marine Corps, during WWII, with the 4th Marine Division throughout the Pacific Islands. Richard worked for the Wyman-Gordon Co. from 1950-1970, starting out as a Final Inspector, followed by Safety Inspector and finally as a Recruitment/Employee Manager. Richard, along with his wife Ruth, ran Hildreth's Variety Store in Westminster for 21 years.

He was a member of the 4th Marine Division Association; the Douglas E. Hicks VFW Post in Westminster; and a 25 year member of the Westminster Country Club from 1981-2006. Richard enjoyed all types of sports, gardening and just nature itself.

He loved spending time with his family, who will miss him tremendously.

HILDRETH -- At Richard's request, funeral services and burial will be private in the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 123 Main Street, Westminster, MA.

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226, or the Westminster VFW Post 7389, Eaton Street, Westminster, MA 01473.

Please visit www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net for further information.