Richard 'Bucko' W. Barakian

RUTLAND – Richard “Bucko” W. Barakian, 77, of Weaver Farm Road, died peacefully in the presence of his loving family on Saturday, June 29, 2013, at UMass Memorial Healthcare, Worcester after a brief illness. Born in Worcester and raised in West Boylston, Dick was the son of Haig and Aimee (Wood) Barakian and lived 45 years in Rutland.

He leaves his wife of 57 years, Janet A. (Horne) Barakian; two daughters, Lynn Patterson and her husband Chuck of Rutland and Deborah Frost and her husband Marc of Rutland; two grandchildren, Benjamin R. and Travis M. Frost; a grandson, David Patterson; a great-grandson, Cole Patterson; a brother, Alvin Barakian and his wife Nancy of West Boylston; many nephews and nieces; and many loving longtime friends.

Dick was a graduate of Major Edwards High School in West Boylston and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts. He worked for Truk-Away Inc. in West Boylston for over 30 years. Using his talents and expertise, Dick started his own heating business which he was still operating. His pride and hard work carried over to his home where he created and meticulously maintained a huge lawn and gardens.

Community service and helping his fellow man was extremely important to Dick. Since moving to Rutland with his family in 1968, he was passionately involved in the Rutland Fire Department, served on the Board of Engineers and was an active member of Volunteer Fire Brigade where he served many roles including captain and currently treasurer. In 2005, Dick and his wife Janet were honored as the Grand Marshals of the Rutland Fourth of July Parade. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Rutland, Rural Cemetery Commission, and the Rutland Historical Society where he enjoyed volunteering especially during the holidays.

As a man of integrity and great faith, Dick embraced the principles and ideals of Free Masonry. In 1957, he was invited to join the Rufus Putnam Lodge of Masons in Rutland where he served as Worshipful Master and was presently the president of the Rutland Masonic Charitable and Educational Association. In 2010, Dick received the Grand Lodge Masonic Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal. He also held the designation of a 32 Degree Mason and was a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Worcester and Aleppo Temple Shrine in Wilmington.

Dick was coined a “staple in the community of Rutland” by a close friend and has left an indelible mark on all those who knew him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, and will be lovingly missed for his calm manor, quick wit, and the banter that he shared with his friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 6 to 9 p.m. on the 4th of July at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden (informal attire is recommended). The Rufus Putnam Lodge of Masons will conduct a service at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service honoring Dick’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 5, at the First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Rutland. Interment will follow at Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rutland Volunteer Fire Brigade, Memorial Fund, 240 Main Street, Rutland, MA 01543, or Rufus Putnam Lodge of Masons - Building Fund, P.O. Box 151, Rutland, MA 01543 ( www.RufusPutnamLodge.org ).

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