EASTHAMPTON-Richard J. Wells, 75, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Hampden Papers, Inc. in Holyoke passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Richard began a long career with Hampden Papers, with hard work and a working knowledge of every facet of the company, he eventually rose to become the President and Chief Operating Officer. He had recently announced his retirement after 50 years with Hampden papers and was still the acting President, pending a search for his replacement. Born in Greenfield, Massachusetts on August 29, 1942 he was the son of the late Roger & Myllis (Wells) Wells. He was raised in South Deerfield, educated in local schools and graduated from Frontier Regional High School in 1960. He enlisted in the USAF and served two tours as a Staff Sergeant and an Air Traffic Controller at Sheppard AFB in Texas and Truax Field in Wisconsin. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and returned home. Richard enrolled in Western New England College and received both his Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Business graduating in 1975. He also received an MBA in Organizational Development from American International College in 2000. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Richard enjoyed many varied hobbies; coin collecting, bowling, golfing gardening and planting and cultivating various strains of Rose bushes. He especially enjoyed Cape Cod, his time with family and friends at the beach, deep sea fishing and whale watching. He was the chairman and a longtime member of the Board at Holyoke Medical Center and also Chairman of the Board of the Springfield Nursing Home association. He belonged to the United Congregational church in Holyoke, serving on the Board of Directors and as an usher. Richard was a loving devoted Father and Husband. His beloved wife, Louise (Littlejohn) Wells passed away in 2015. He leaves his children; Carrie Dudley of Easthampton. Daniel Wells of Holyoke and Lisa Pulaski of Westfield. Richard also leaves his beloved partner and companion, Natalie Danek of Easthampton with whom he made his home. His grandchildren; Andrew Dearborn, Amanda Wells, Sarah and Joshua Konopka, TaylorBarker, Patrick and Madelynn Wells and David Dudley Jr. He also leaves his many siblings including; David Wells (So. Dfld), Judith Haskell (Sunderland), Linda O’Neill (So. Dfld.), Jane Lagowski (Buzzards Bay), Doug Wells (Bernadston), Joanne Young (Conway), Deborah Madigan (Conway), Carol Mizula (So. Dfld.), Cynthia Wells (Colrain) and Robert Wells (Montague) as well as many nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his wife, Louise, parents, Roger & Myllis and a brother, James Wells. Calling hours for Richard will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2018 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Easthampton, Ma. 01027. The family will observe a private interment service at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery with US Air Force Honors. Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.mitchellcofuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Richard J Wells 2018. Mitchell Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Easthampton, state: Massachusetts