Richard Earle Piper

WHITINSVILLE ... Richard E. Piper, 71, died Friday, October 28, following a long, hard-fought battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Maureen (Mahan) Piper; two daughters, Kelley Gosselin, and her husband, Jim, of Northbridge, and Erin Proctor, and her husband, Collin, of Eastham; a brother, David W. Piper, and his wife, Jeanne, of Whitinsville; two grandchildren, Casey James Gosselin, and Colin Andrew Gosselin; and many close and dear friends.

Mr. Piper was born in Worcester, December 10, 1944, a son of Wendell and Viola (Hinchliffe) Piper, and lived his entire life in Whitinsville. He was a 1962 graduate of Northbridge High School, and a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Viet Nam Era, serving in Japan.

He was a console operator at Mass Electric, where he met his wife, for 34 years, prior to retiring in 2004. Previously, he worked at the former Phillip's Market in Whitinsville, and at the Whitin Machine Works.

Mr. Piper was a member of Saint Patrick's Church in Whitinsville, and the Brotherhood of Utility Workers, where he served as Treasurer for many years. He loved golf and spending time at Myrtle Beach. Everyone knew Rich for his wonderful sense of humor, and the deep, abiding love he had for his family

Mr .Piper's Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM, Friday, November 11, in Saint Patrick's Church, Cross Street, Whitinsville. Calling Hours will be 5-7 PM, Thursday, November 10, in the Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville.

Please omit flowers. Memorial donations are requested to the Jimmy Fund, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA, 02284.