WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Richard T. Shotwell died peacefully at his home in Sweetwood of Williamstown on January 28, 2026.

He was born on January 4, 1936 in St. Louis, MO. After being awarded the Laverne Noyes Scholarship, he graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in History, and went on to earn his MA in Library and Informational Science in 1968. Later, in 1982, he earned a Master of Agriculture, with a concentration in Horticulture, from Pennsylvania State University.

Rich started his career as a Senior Research Librarian at Towson State University in Baltimore, MD, and retired as the Manager of Library and Informational Services at MRA Laboratories, Inc. in North Adams, MA.

After moving to Williamstown, MA in 1995, he was a faithful member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, a volunteer interpreter at Hancock Shaker Village and a volunteer at Wild Oats Co-op.

He was predeceased by Janice Bolte Shotwell, his wife of thirty years. He is survived by Mary Lovvorn, his wife of the last twelve years and his son, Andrew Shotwell of North Adams, MA.

The family thanks the staff members of Sweetwood and at Hospice Care in the Berkshires for their loving care during his last days.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Rich’s life will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Williamstown, MA on Friday February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM and will be followed by a reception in the Upper Room of the church. In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to make memorial gifts to St. John’s Williamstown or to Hospice Care in the Berkshires 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