Richard L. Qualters

ATHOL - Richard L. Qualters, 88, of 459 Lenox Street, Athol, died Monday, March 8, 2010 in the Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol. He was born in Athol on February 21, 1922, the son of the late Timothy and the late Eldora (Dyer) Qualters. Mr. Qualters grew up in Athol and graduated from Athol High School with the class of 1940. Upon his graduation he joined the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, serving in China, Burma and India. He worked for the Bancrofts Package Store as Manager for over twenty years. More recently, Mr. Qualters worked for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management as a Forest Fire Prevention Specialist for over twenty years and as Dispatcher for the Radio Room of Wachusett Mountain until his retirement in 1991. Mr. Qualters was a communicant of St. Peter's Church in Petersham and a member of the Athol American Legion. He was also a member of STEBS, Athol Democratic Committee and Town Constable and many other local organizations. Many years ago, he played semi-pro football for the Dukes of Athol and also managed many softball teams in the area. He enjoyed sports, antiques and collected "Smokey the Bear" memorabilia. He leaves his wife of sixty-two years, Blanche M. (Davidaitis) Qualters of Athol; two sons, Daniel S. Qualters of Omaha, Nebraska, Rick A. Qualters and his wife Linda of Oakham; one brother, William Qualters and his wife Connie of Athol; and one grandson, Eric J. Qualters of Oakham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 18 North Main Street, Petersham. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made in his memory to St. Peter's Church Memorial Fund, 18 North Main Street, Petersham 01366. $(document).ready(function(){ });