OBITUARIES

Robert "Frenchy" Richards

01/19/2022

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Robert Albert "Frenchy" Richards, 87 of North Adams, MA died Wednesday January 19, 2022 at Craneville Place in Dalton.

He was born in North Adams, MA on February 8, 1934, a son of Leon and Lauriana (Bachand) Richards. He attended local schools.

Frenchy was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the US Army there. He was last employed by Mass College of Liberal Arts where he worked for about 10 years until his retirement. Frenchy enjoyed riding and working on motorcycles and competed in many trail riding events.

His wife was Janice Marie (Burdick) Richards who died on December 11, 2012. They were married in July of 1956. Survivors include one daughter- Lisa A. (Glenn) Robert of Adams and three sons- David (Dorothy) Richards of Jacksonville, FL; Wayne Richards of Suffolk, VA and Eric Richards of Adams, MA. He also leaves thirteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren; one brother- Valmore Richards of North Adams and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters including Bertha Martell, Ann Hartman, Lucille Richards, Leon Richards and Richard Richards.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Graveside service for Frenchy Richards will be held on Friday January 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM in Southview cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.

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Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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I first met Robert when I was 15 years old. He took me for a ride on his motorcycle, that had a side seat. He was such a nice man with a caring heart. Sorry for your loss. And the late reply.
from: Lisa jowett	on: 07-13-2022

Lisa, So sorry to hear about your dad. I will always remember the good times my dad and yours had together riding their motorcycles, cutting wood and just being friends. He will be remembered fondly. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
from: kim serrano	on: 02-01-2022

My comment below concerning Frenchy being my mentor inadvertently omitted my name.
from: Peter Haviland	on: 01-24-2022

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about dad's passing. May he rest in internal peace.
from: Pamela Sisto	on: 01-24-2022

Dear Lisa, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. My prayers are with you and your family. Much love to you Lisa. Lucy
from: Lucy Babeu	on: 01-22-2022

Simply put, Frenchy was my dirt-biking mentor. He taught me pretty much all I needed to know about fixing and riding a motorcycle. But beyond that, he taught me a lot about life, too. He had an encyclopedia-like knowledge of all the trails within a fifty mile radius of North Adams and loved to share them with his friends. He also loved to help our group fix our bikes, especially the not-so-pleasant task of changing tires. I feel fortunate to have been inspired by Frenchy's love of motorcycles, something I was also able to pass along to my sons as well. Best wishes to his sons and daughter.
from:	on: 01-21-2022

I remember having many good conversations with Frenchy after I got out of class. The staff at MCLA were sone of the best people to get to know there. Rest in peace Frenchy! You will always be remembered.
from: George Gogas	on: 01-21-2022

I hadn't seen him since he retired from MCLA, and yet I swear I was just thinking about him this week! He told me about an ice-chopping device he had invented out of a PVC pipe, and boy, could North Adams use something like that today! He was so full of life and love... he would stop by my office in the evenings and tell me all about driving motorcycles with side-cars in the woods, about the people who meant a lot in his life, about jobs he had in the past... about so much. If I still remember him after such brief interactions, I can only imagine what a huge loss this must be to his family and close friends. You have my sympathies.
from: Christopher Thomas	on: 01-21-2022

Lisa and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
from: Michelle Miller	on: 01-21-2022

Frenchy and I had many fun day in the motorcycle world, he was full of fun that I will never forget.
from: Tom Richards	on: 01-21-2022

Lisa I'm so sorry about dad. I will miss seeing him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
from: Trina	on: 01-21-2022

Frenchy was always a pleasure to work with at MCLA. I will remember him fondly. My sincere condolences.
from: Carl Villanueva	on: 01-21-2022

Lisa I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers are with you all
from: Diane England	on: 01-20-2022

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