Richard A. Parker

1953 - 2025

Richard A. Parker

ORANGE, MA - Richard A. Parker, 72, of 419 East River Street, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2nd, after brief illness.

He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Julia Lapointe, in 1995, and his step father, Louise Lapointe, in 1969. Richard grew up in the village of Farley and later lived for many years with his mother in Orange. He attended local schools and graduated from Mahar Regional High School with the Class of 1972.

Richard began his lifelong career in the grocery industry working at the Farley Grocery Store, a small family-run market in his hometown. He later spent many years working for the Donelan family at Piggly Wiggly and Orange Warehouse Foods in Orange. He also worked part time at Stop & Shop and Foster's Supermarket in Greenfield. Over the years, Richard became well known and well loved by co-workers and customers alike for his dedication, warm personality and his good-natured pranks.

Outside of work, Richard had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, and bicycling, and could often be found riding his bike throughout the countryside- from Sunderland to Northfield and beyond. He especially loved visiting the Relicki Produce Farm in Sunderland, where he also worked part-time for many years with his friend Steve. Richard also cherished vacationing in Florida with his dear friends, the Fourniers, and always looked forward to family reunions in Northfield, where he enjoyed reconnecting with relatives.

He was known not only as a hard worker but also as a joyful spirit, a collector of many things, and a familiar, friendly face throughout the community. He will be remembered fondly for his laugh, his kindness, and his appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Richard will be deeply missed by his longtime friend and caregiver Kevin Donelan and his wife Lisa; the entire Donelan family; his close friends Cheryl Kelleher, Tony Sironatis, and of course Frank and Virginia- who for many years took him grocery shopping weekly- as well as those who knew him from his years at Piggly Wiggly, Orange Warehouse Foods, and the Pinecrest Apartments in Orange, where he resided for many years.

He is survived by his sisters, Frances Seargent of New York and Irene Porter of Arkansas, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Richard will be laid to rest with his mother in the family plot at the West Northfield Cemetery, Mount Hermon Road, Northfield, on August 15, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

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