Frederick Francis "Ricky" Owen Jr.

Frederick Francis Owen, Jr. Sunrise February 14, 1948 - Sunset January 22, 2025 Frederick "Ricky" Francis Owen, aged 76, of Belchertown, Massachusetts passed away at home on January 22, 2025 with his loving family gathered around him. He was born on February 14, 1948 in Ludlow, Massachusetts, to Frederick and Edythe Brown Owen. His family always said he was born on Valentine's Day because his heart was so big. Ricky grew up in Belchertown, graduated from Belchertown High School, Class of 1967, and raised his family in the community he loved. He worked at Kanzaki Papers, then continued his education at Holyoke Community College, going on to work as a Real Estate Agent, and finally as part-owner of Jasper's Restaurant in Belchertown. He spent his final years peacefully and happily at his daughter and son-in-law's home, Waldron Mountain, in Belchertown. Ricky lived a life full of love, kindness, compassion, and laughter. He doted on his beloved wife of 57 years, Natalie, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ricky was fun-loving and always ready to go on an adventure; his favorite destination was the White Mountains, New Hampshire where he'd traveled with his parents and siblings as a child, and then took his own children and grandchildren camping every summer, teaching them to swim in the coldest waters at Lower Falls and hike to the top of Mount Washington. Ricky also loved bringing his children and then grandchildren to Disney World, and visiting California while his son resided there as a musician; Catalina Island was one of his favorite places. He experienced Mardi Gras in New Orleans, skied Lake Tahoe, and visited Russia with his wife Natalie to explore her roots. Just before his illness, Ricky and Natalie had three wonderful years travelling in their RV, spending winters in Florida and summers on the coast of Maine. Ricky also enjoyed singing, dancing with his wife, playing the guitar, listening to music–everything from Frank Sinatra to James Taylor–or watching old movies, from musicals to mysteries. Ricky had many pets over the years and loved animals of all kinds, especially his wirehaired fox terrier, Tuck, who was with him to the end. Ricky was a member of the Belchertown Historical Society and the Friends of Quabbin. He loved the Belchertown Fair and missed it only once in his 76 years. Ricky was predeceased by his loving parents, Edythe and Frederick Francis Owen; brother, Terrence "Moose" Owen; sister Cheryl Opalenik; and sister, Judythe Snyder. He is survived by his loving wife, Natalie; daughter Tamatha and her husband Wayne Waldron; son Jason Owen and his partner Rebecca Karkut; grandchildren Nina and her partner Pat, Mia and her husband Brandon; great-grandchildren Alaric, Zara, and Torin; sister Pamela Owen; niece and nephew Kari Bachand and Eric Opalenik and their families; and extended family and friends from Belchertown, throughout the state, and across the country. The family held a private viewing at Beers and Story Funeral Home, and a Celebration of Ricky's Life will be held at the family home at a later date. To honor Ricky's memory, donations may be made to Bark in Belchertown or any local animal shelter, or the American Heart Association.