Richard George McMaster Jr.

Richard George McMaster Jr., 76, of Fitchburg, died on July 8, 2007 at Parson Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Worcester, after a valiant battle with a long-term illness.

McMaster was born on October 8, 1930 in Marlborough, Mass. to Richard McMaster Sr. and Catherine ( Shortsleeve) McMaster. He graduated from Hudson High School in 1947, and spent years as a letter carrier with the Leominster Post Office before his retirement in 1996.

He was married to Nancy Walker until her death in 1977.

McMaster was an avid cyclist and hiker as well as an active member of the Wachusett Chess Club for a number of years, where his achievements included playing against Bobby Fisher. McMaster also spent a number of years as a member of a local bowling league and was a movie enthusiast. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and often reminisced about watching Ted Williams play at Fenway. While his children were young, he also served as a Little League umpire.

McMaster remarried to Maryann Driscoll in 1980. They had one child together and then later adopted a son. The pair also spent years taking in numerous foster children.

In his later years, McMaster volunteered much time to the city of Fitchburg, partaking in programs such as Clean Sweep and the Longsjo Race. McMaster also became involved in political life, working on the Mylott campaign.

He was a member of Emmanuel Charismatic Episcopal Church in West Brookfield.

McMaster is survived by his wife, Maryann (Driscoll) McMaster, of Fitchburg; sister, Peg (McMaster) Zilembo and her husband, Mike Zilembo, of Hopkington; children, Gary McMaster, and his wife, Linda McMaster, of Lunenburg, Kevin McMaster, and his wife, Paula (Gendron ) McMaster, of Winchendon, Lynn (McMaster) Gasco and her husband, Steven Gasco, of Northfield, N.H., Stephanie (McMaster) Berning and her husband, James Berning, of Granby, Conn., Dan McMaster, of Fitchburg; stepchildren, Donna Tyler-Monroe and her husband, Rey McGuinnes, of Fitchburg, Alan Tyler, and his wife, Andrea (Fagan) Tyler, of Chelmsford and Debora (Tyler) Contois and her husband, Steven Contois, of Winchendon. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Church at 60 West St., Leominster on July 13 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Emmanuel Church, P.O. Box 826, West Brookfield MA 01585.