Richard P. Coombs

PETERSHAM - Richard P. Coombs, 86, formerly of 283 Hardwick Road, died Thursday, January 7, 2010 at the Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol. He was born in Bucksport, Maine, on March 24, 1923, the son of Basil and Susan (Harriman) Coombs. Mr. Coombs was raised and educated in Bucksport, Maine and graduated from high school in 1940. He resided on his family's farm and worked as a farmer until he joined the military. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Coombs briefly resided in Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Petersham in 1950. He was employed by the former Union Twist Drill in Athol as an inspector and was also a self-employed waste collector in Petersham for many years until his retirement in 1983. He was proudly the only local resource for trash removal throughout Petersham. Mr. Coombs was a former member of the Athol Lions Club and was a member of the Petersham Orthodox Congregational Church. He was an avid card player and was highly skilled in the game of Whist. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, and playing bingo. He leaves a daughter, Debra S. Stone of Montague; a son, Todd P. Coombs and his wife Laurie of Petersham; a sister, Connie Parker of Lincolnville, Maine; two brothers, Ashley Coombs, Monty Coombs, both of Bucksport, Maine; four grandchildren, Heidi Shortis of Petersham, Katie Shortis of Gardner, Kelly Stone of Petersham, Rob Ames of Wheelwright; three great grandchildren, Emma Ames, Marshall Ames, both of Wheelwright, and Thomas Shortis of Petersham. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly fifty years, Beverly (White) Coombs in January of 2000; also by his son, Scott R. Coombs, on July 7, 2009, and by a brother, Russell Coombs. Funeral services and burial in East Street Cemetery, Petersham, will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Quabbin Valley Healthcare Activity Fund, 821 Daniel Shays Highway, Athol, MA 01331. $(document).ready(function(){ });