Richard V. Pearson, Sr.

Richard (Rich) Pearson, Sr., of Chicopee, Massachusetts, unexpectedly passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 72. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda A. (Ramsay) Pearson; his son, Richard “Ricky” Pearson and his wife, Katie; his daughter, Bethany “Beth” Labrecque and her husband, William; and his four cherished granddaughters, Audra, Eleanor, Chloe and Frances. Born and raised in Taunton, Massachusetts, Rich was a kind, hardworking, and deeply devoted man whose presence could fill a room and whose love could fill a lifetime.

Rich graduated from Taunton High School in 1972 and spent his working life in a variety of roles, including many years in the newspaper business, inventory, and, in recent years, as a retail merchandiser. He was a natural leader. Rich was a respected and highly effective manager, known for his organization, thoughtful leadership, and ability to put people in positions where they could succeed, always approaching his work with a clear plan and a commitment to seeing it through. People were drawn to his warmth, his humor, and his larger-than-life personality.

But Rich's greatest accomplishments were never found on a résumé. They were found in his family, his faith, and the countless ways he showed up for the people he loved.

On June 26, 1976, Rich married the love of his life, Linda. Their 50 years together were built on a lifetime of partnership. They grew up together, attended the same church, and began dating while they were still in high school. Together, they loved traveling throughout New England and discovering new places.

Rich was immensely proud of his son Ricky and his daughter Beth, but his four granddaughters held a particularly special place in his heart: Audra, Chloe, Eleanor, and Frances. He loved seeing them doing the things they loved and being fully themselves. And no matter how old they got, Rich rarely arrived without a little something for them—a pack of stickers, a poster, bubbles, or a game.

Rich loved being there for his family’s events. Basketball games, dance recitals, gymnastics showcases, band concerts, cheerleading, or baseball games—if someone he loved was participating, Rich was there. He especially loved the Boston Red Sox but his favorite games were the ones where the whole family could go together.

Rich's faith was an important part of his life, expressed not so much through words as through service. Throughout his life he was deeply involved in the churches he attended, including Memorial United Methodist Church in Taunton, Arnold Mills United Methodist Church in Cumberland and Faith United Methodist Church in Chicopee. He served as a youth group leader, men's group leader, lay speaker, and trustee. His faith was something he lived through his willingness to serve and care for others.

That was Rich. He lived loudly, loved deeply, showed up faithfully, and made memories wherever he went.

Rich was the son of the late George and Frances Pearson and was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Pearson, Cynthia Lohnes, and Sally Latham. He also leaves behind countless relatives, friends, and members of the church communities he served throughout his life who will remember his kindness, humor, faith, and unmistakable presence.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 11, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Beers & Story Funeral Home in South Hadley, Massachusetts, followed by a service at 11:45am and collation at Faith United Methodist Church in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Jimmy Fund or a charity of your choosing.