Richard H. Dewitt

HOLDEN -- Richard H. DeWitt, 66, of Holden, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Worcester, Rich was the son of Walter and Virginia (Johnson) DeWitt and lived several years in Shrewsbury before moving to Holden in the late 1960’s.



He leaves his wife and soulmate of 45 years, Georgianna (Angelo) DeWitt; two sons, Christopher M. Angelo and his companion, Amy Quinlan and her two children Jack and Caroline of Charlton and Steven H. DeWitt and his wife Jennifer of Holden; two daughters, Nicholette and her husband, Alvin Cunningham of Fairfield, California and Melissa A. Wackell of Leicester; a sister, Elaine Morrison and her husband, John of Charlton; nine grandchildren, Demetri, Danielle and Noelle Angelo, Julieanne and Matthew Cunningham, Katelynn Wackell, and Ethan, Molly and Owen DeWitt; a former son-in-law, Joseph Wackell of Holden, and daughter-in-law Lisa Angelo of Worcester. A brother, Steven DeWitt predeceased him.



Rich graduated from Wachusett Regional High School and attended Worcester State College and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He began his career working for the Town of Holden Department of Public Works in 1971 at the age of 22. He worked his way through the ranks and held the position of highway foreman before being appointed Holden’s first Director of Operations for Department of Public Works. Rich was an extremely effective leader and managed his department with a “no nonsense” style that earned him the respect of his staff and town officials. He took great pride in his work and empowered his staff to do the same with unwavering dedication and high standards. After his retirement in 2010, Rich was able to spend much deserved time with his family especially with his grandchildren.



In 1971, Rich also joined the Holden Fire Department as an on-call firefighter. He spent the next 43 years with his brother firefighters protecting their community with only one thought in mind, “the safety of others.” He served as a lieutenant for a period of time until his position at the department of public works became overwhelmingly demanding. Rich was thought of as “everyone’s friend,” and was always there to lend a hand. He looked forward to vacationing at his camp in Crafstbury, Vermont located on Jones Farm. He especially enjoyed his fishing and hunting trips in Vermont with the boys including his son, Steve and closest friend, Jim Oberg who died unexpectedly in February.



Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rich’s family from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A service remembering and honoring his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Chaffin Congregational Church, Shrewsbury St., Holden. Interment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Holden Fire Explorer Program, 1370 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on this page.