Richard F. Retzel, 83

LEE, Mass. — Richard Retzel, 83, died Monday morning, July 6, 2020, at his home on East Center Street in Lee.  

He was born on May 21, 1937, in Cheyenne, Wyo., the son of Frank and Georgia Runyon Retzel. He moved to Great Barrington in 1939 and lived on the G Bar S Ranch which is now Butternut Ski Area. He was educated in the Great Barrington Schools.

Throughout his life he raised and trained thoroughbred race horses.

Mr. Retzel is survived by his wife, the former Mary Wellington, whom he married on June 6, 1959; one son, Kenneth Retzel and his wife Kate of Lee; two daughters, Lori Duffin and her husband Mark of Lenox, Mass., and Dawn Murry and her husband David of Spring Hill, Tenn.; one brother, Kenneth M. Retzel and his wife Sandra of Otis, Mass., and Florida; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by a son, Richard W. Retzel.

Funeral notice: A graveside service for Richard Retzel will be held on Friday, July 10, 2020, at 10 a.m. at St Mary's Cemetery in Lee. Friends wishing may make donations in his memory to the Lee Middle and High School Basketball Programs in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238.