Richard Alfred "Dick" Rader

Richard Alfred "Dick" Rader obituary, Southborough, MA

Richard Alfred "Dick" Rader

Richard Rader Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Morris-Johnston Funeral Home Inc. on Jun. 22, 2025.

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Richard (Dick) passed at his residence in Framingham MA on June 18th. He was born in Worcester MA to Harold (Dutch) and Dorothy Rader. He grew up on the campus of Worcester Academy and graduated from there in 1951. He majored in chemistry and graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1955 and married Carol Elizabeth Parsons (1932-2019) of Auburn in 1954. He received an MA in Physical Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1965.
He worked as a research chemist at Eastman Kodak Corporation in Rochester NY and served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps at Fort Huachuca AZ from 1956-1958. He returned to Worcester Academy to teach chemistry from 1958-1959 and then joined the faculty of St. Mark's School where he served on the faculty for 40 years teaching chemistry, physics and computer science. He served administratively as the Director of Studies at St. Marks.
He and Carol both enjoyed music and travel. Together, they led numerous students to Japan through an exchange program with Nishi High School in Kyoto. Dick was instrumental in adding computer science to the curriculum at St. Mark's School. On retirement, he and Carol became members of the congregation at First Parish in Framingham, where he served on the Board of Assessors and the maintenance committee. He also served on the board and as president of the Assabet Valley Mastersingers. He enjoyed spending time at the family home in Vermont, photography, playing the cello, woodworking, and bee keeping.
He was preceded in death by Carol, his wife of 65 years. He is survived by sister Mary Randall of Enumclaw WA, sons Richard Rader (Suzanne) of Winchendon MA and Charles Rader (Nancy) of River Falls WI, and grandchildren Erica, Gregory and Rebecca. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First Parish in Framingham MA, Worcester Academy, or St. Mark's School.
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August 9, 2025

Jan Miller posted to the memorial.

August 5, 2025

Kathy Swift posted to the memorial.

July 29, 2025

Edward Tan posted to the memorial.

Jan Miller

August 9, 2025

I was sorry to miss the service for Dick and Carol. As a long time member of First Parish in Framingham, I always loved connecting with Dick. He was always more than willing to help with anything when I needed assistance as a Board member and I was comforted by his presence. Truly a wonderful soul and he will be missed!

Kathy Swift

August 5, 2025

I enjoyed Dicks company near the community garden where he kept a hive of bees. He always was a gentle soul who made me smile. It was a pleasure to know him.

Edward Tan

July 29, 2025

The Tan family would like to add its heartfelt condolences to the family of Dick Rader for his recent passing. Dick was our dear physics teacher at St Mark's while his father Harold (Dutch) was our father's (Edward T. Tan) math teacher at Worcester Academy. We will cherish his memory and remain grateful for his teachings and companionship.
Fondly, Edward HC, Frederick HL and Teresa Tan

Christina Courcier

July 24, 2025

I also was fond of Mr. Rader at St. Mark´s. He and his wife were such sweet & kind folks.

Sandra Cross

July 23, 2025

Sorry to hear of Mr. Rader's passing. He was a great teacher and mentor to so many SM lions. Sandy Cross SM P'97 '00

Sarah Fairchild

June 30, 2025

Mr. Rader was my advisor at St. Mark's. He sent me to Kyoto, which opened my eyes to the world and was a major influence on my eventual settling in Hawaii. He was brilliant and also a sweet person, who did a lot of good in his life. Aloha to the family.

John Stanley

June 29, 2025

Mr Rader was a wonderful guy. My Father Gil had enormous respect for Dick and I will never forget being introduced to the bee hives as a young faculty brat. Fitting that he found solace in being an apiarist. RIP Mr. Rader.

Dick Capp

June 27, 2025

Saw on his visits. Dutch on first floor my PG year at the Academy. Great memories!

Debbie Doucette

June 25, 2025

Dick was such a part of First Parish. The way he took care of the FP buildings and grounds. Whatever was needed or falling apart he would take care of it on his on without being asked. He was the quiet man who got things done without a fuss. One of his longtime and proudest endeavor was keeping the church steeple clock on time. He enjoyed bringing people up the narrow steps inside of the steeple to show off the inner workings of the clock. He was a good man.

Debbie Doucette
Member of FP in Framingham

Dean Arvidson

June 25, 2025

Dick was very active in helping me with reviving the Pipe Organ at First Parish. It was always great to have him around. So sorry to hear that he passed.

I´m glad to have known both Dick and Carol.

Dean Arvidson

Valerie Murray

June 25, 2025

I remember Dick as a devoted member and chair of Maintenance, always good at fixing things, and remaining calm when things got urgent. He and Carol were a good pair.

Ellen Cormier

June 25, 2025

First Parish was honored to have so many active and wonderful people such as both Dick, and Carol. So many wonderful memories. So many now gone. Ellen Cormier

The Staff of Morris Funeral Home

June 22, 2025

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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40 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772

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Sign Richard Rader's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 9, 2025

Jan Miller posted to the memorial.

August 5, 2025

Kathy Swift posted to the memorial.

July 29, 2025

Edward Tan posted to the memorial.