Richard W. Alexander

East Bridgewater Richard W. Alexander, 85, of East Bridgewater, died Friday, Aug. 8. A son of the late A.J. Bradford and Laura Wentworth Alexander, he is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Margaret (Nutter) Alexander; his daughter, Jane Haines and her husband Ted; four grandchildren, John Haines and his wife Rachel, Samuel Haines, Margaret Haines and Abigail Haines; and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Haines and Yvonne Haines. He also leaves his brother, Robert Alexander; his cousins, Jack Alexander, Elair Buck, Kendall Holbrook, William Holbrook and Eleanor Howard; several nieces and nephews and many friends, among them, Richard Whitmarsh, a friend since childhood. A 1940 graduate of East Bridgewater High School, he received a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1943, at the age of 20, becoming one of the youngest people ever to pass the state pharmacy examination. He later served on the colleges board of trustees. He practiced pharmacy until 1988 and continued to hold his pharmacy license until his death. Mr. Alexander had been associated with the East Bridgewater Cemetery Corporation in East Bridgewater since 1951, serving as both treasurer of the corporation and superintendent of Central Cemetery from 1955 until his death. A talented musician, Mr. Alexander played cornet in many concert and marching bands in Southeastern Massachusetts. He was a member of both First Parish Church (Unitarian Universalist) of East Bridgewater and First Parish Church (Unitarian Universalist) of Bridgewater. He was also a member of Satucket Lodge AF & AM, where he received his 50-year medal in 1995. One of Mr. Alexanders proudest accomplishments was serving as chair of his towns Common Restoration Committee. He served on the towns Board of Health and on the Board of Directors of the East Bridgewater Cooperative Bank and was the treasurer of the East Bridgewater Historical Society at the time of his death. He loved gardening and family vacations at Newfound Lake in New Hampshire, especially time spent in his canoe. The interment was held earlier at Central Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at First Parish Church, 50 School St., Bridgewater. A service to celebrate his life will follow at 4 p.m. at the church. Donations in Mr. Alexanders name may be made to the Richard W. Alexander Tree Fund, c/o Central Cemetery, Box 111, East Bridgewater, MA 02333. Arrangements have been made by Blanchard Funeral Chapel in Whitman. For more information, see www.blanchardfc.com.