Richard Henry Chetham

Richard Henry Chetham Richard Henry Chetham, formerly of Austin, Texas and Somerville, Mass., died on Oct. 31 in Waltham, Mass. Born on June 23, 1927 in Somerville, Mass. to the late Henry Ripley Chetham and Marguerite Emeline Borns Chetham, Richard graduated from Somerville High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Army in Adak, Alaska. After working in several Boston area hospitals as a registered medical and radiologic technician, he moved to Lubbock, then Austin, Texas where he received a B.A. from the University of Texas in 1960. He retired in 1987 as Chief Radiologic Technician at the Student Health Center at the University of Texas at Austin where he had worked since the 1950s. During his retirement, Richard became a fixture at Breeds Hardware in Austin, having spent many years as a customer while working constantly on his beloved house. From 1972 to 1991, Richard provided a wonderful home, company, and care for his mother, who died at the age of 102. Richard was an avid musician and played the violin with the Silver Strings of Austin for many years. He enjoyed cooking, traveling (especially by train), and his friends and family. He is survived by his nieces, nephews and their spouses: Deirdre Chetham of Somerville; Rebecca Chetham and Christopher Panzica, Celia Chetham and Stephen Shenefield, all of Arlington, Mass.; Susan Howard of Fairfax Station, Va.; John Chetham of Longmont, Paul and Michele Chetham of Denver, and Steven Chetham of Niwot, all in Colorado. Brother-in-law of Mary Chetham of Northampton, Mass. and Claire Chetham of Longmont, Colo. Eccentric great-uncle of Charlotte Dale, Abigail Panzica, Julia and Thomas Shenefield; Rebecca Atkinson, Sean and Megan Howard; Rachel and Sarah Chetham; Michael, Ryan, and Matthew Chetham. Predeceased by his brothers Thomas, John, and Charles Chetham. No services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the Annual Fund of the New England Conservatory of Music, 290 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 or http://www.necmusic.edu/give. |