Walter B. Richards

Athol – Walter B. Richards, 63, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at the home of his daughter in Chicopee after a brief battle with ALS.      Walter was born in Winchendon, Massachusetts, August 12, 1947, the son of Fred and Lillian (Thomson) Richards.  He grew up and has lived in Athol all of his life, graduating from Athol High School in 1969.        He worked at the Union Twist Drill, the L.S. Starrett Company, Massachusetts State Highway Department and the Athol Table Shop.  He was a member of the American Lithuanian Naturalization Club, the Franco-American Naturalization Club and the Wheelerville Community Club.        He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, going to Old Orchard Beach, Maine and deep sea fishing.  Two highlights in his life included his recent trip to the Eastern Caribbean and Greece and his daughter Zoë who is an accomplished attorney and currently owns and operates two law offices.  He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren in recent years.      Walter leaves two daughters; Zoë Falken (Melissa Richards) of Chicopee and Tammy Barrett and her husband Jamie of Athol; two grandchildren, Ahkiel and Kaliph Thompson; two brothers, Dennis and Michael Richards; a sister-in-law, Edna Richards and his former sister-in-law, Carol Nichols, all of Athol.  Additionally, Walter will be missed by the many friends and acquaintances he saw throughout his days while walking the streets of Athol or sitting by his “office” near the bank.        Calling hours will be held Friday, April 8, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol.  Burial will be Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Silver Lake Cemetery (off Horrigan Avenue).  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Massachusetts Chapter of ALS Association, 320 Park South, Norwood, MA  02062. $(document).ready(function(){ });