Richard Pickett

Richard J. Pickett II, "Lal" to his family and "Rick" to his friends, died peacefully on Dec. 10 at the age of 71. Rick had been courageously battling a variety of cancers for the past few months and is now at peace.
Rick was the loving son of the late Richard and Clara (Harvey) Pickett and grew up in Bridgewater. He was a graduate of Bridgewater-Raynham Class of 1970 and the proud captain of BR's first men's ice hockey team. From an early age he was learning how to be a hard worker as he spent a lot of time at Pickett's Garage, his family's gas station on the corner of Rt. 18 and Winter St. It was this time at the station that Rick would learn many life skills. First and foremost, he learned the necessary skills and attention to detail to be a trusted mechanic. He knew the importance of a smile and how a good story can go a long way. Over the years his customers and constituents within the auto field became his good friends.
After high school he spent the next few years in North Carolina building log cabins until moving back to Bridgewater in the mid 1970's. He reconnected with a childhood friend Elizabeth Tuholski and the two shared a common love of being outdoors, music, and laughter. They married on December 29th, 1979, and would raise their girls in Bridgewater where he was active with many of their activities. Rick and Liz enjoyed bringing the girls to New Hampshire in the winter and the Cape in the summer and he always loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, and skier. He loved being with his friends and attending NASCAR events or watching his beloved Bruins or Patriots.
Rick worked for many years at Pickett's Garage but also had a 35-year career as an investigator for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and retired as Chief of Security at Taunton State Hospital. Rick was a talented woodworker and could often be found making bird houses or helping a friend with a project. He had a great love for music and enjoyed playing his guitar and singing to all.
As the life of the party, Lal's smile, storytelling, and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.
Lal was the loving husband of Elizabeth M. (Tuholski) of Bridgewater and devoted father of Pamela E. Hoeg and her husband Adam of Wrentham, and Joanna L. Fellone and her husband Joe of Easton. Loving grandfather of Hannah and wife Emily, Christina, Brianna, and Joey. Beloved son in law to the late Stephen and Anne Tuholski of Bridgewater. Brother of Dana Picket and his wife Nancy of Bridgewater and the late David Pickett. Also survived by his sister-in-law Sheryl Pickett of Bourne, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his beloved springer spaniel Wilson.
All are cordially invited to a funeral home service on Sat. Dec. 16 at 10:30am at the Chapman Funerals and Cremations, 98 Bedford St. Bridgewater. Burial will be private and calling hours will be held on Friday, Dec. 15 from 4-7pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or click here.