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Richard H Heaton, Jr. age 81 passed away on March 19, 2025 after a prolonged illness.
Richard, also known as Dick, Ricky, and Gump was born in Framingham, MA, the son of Bernice Marble Heaton and Richard Harry Heaton of Ashland, MA.
He graduated from Ashland High School in 1961, then went on to Clarkson College in Potsdam New York, earning a B.S. Degree in Industrial Distribution in 1966.
At Clarkson, Dick was a member of Omicron Pi Omicron fraternity and Editor of the college newspaper.
As his management career accelerated, Dick completed Executive Business programs at both Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Dick married Jean Helen Stahl in 1965 in Norwood, New York. Jean and Dick recently celebrated their 59th anniversary. Their love story lasted 6 decades and was one of deep friendship, love, and devotion. They considered themselves a true team and felt that together they could conquer anything. They joyously welcomed their daughter Rebecca in 1966 and their son Joel in 1969. Dick and Jean have 7 grandchildren who have brought great joy to their lives. He loved his children and grandchildren fiercely and was proud of each of them as they brought their own gifts to the family table.
Professionally, Dick spent 32 years at Digital Equipment Corporation retiring as Vice President Technical OEM Group. He also worked at Texas Instruments, and Keithley Instruments for many years before founding his own consulting company, H&H Associates. With H&H, he consulted to support local communities in implementing affordable housing (40B) initiatives.
Dick had a lifelong passion for technology, electronics, “tinkering” and experimenting; many things that he wove into all aspects of his personal and professional life. He was a recreational sailor and he and Jean spent years exploring the waters of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. One highlight of his life was captaining a 42 foot trawler during a four month trip with Jean down the east coast inland waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Jean and Dick loved traveling in Europe, Alaska, Australia, and the far east.
From 1967- 2023, Bolton was their home, where they raised their children and enjoyed great friends, the small town country lifestyle, and natural beauty. Dick was a Selectman in Bolton and also proudly served on the Cattle Judging and Apple Pie Committees at the Bolton Fair in the 1970’s. Dick also was instrumental in the development of the Bolton Conservation Trust trail systems.
In 2023, Dick and Jean moved to the Willows Independent Living in Medway, MA. Dick was the Co-Chair of the Willows Resident Advisory Committee. Jean and Dick have found a welcoming community at the Willows, where they have enjoyed their independence and wonderful new friends.
Remaining to cherish Dick’s memory and legacy are wife, Jean, son, Joel, Daughter-in-law Kristen, Daughter, Rebecca, sister Nancy, brother-in-law Jeffrey, brother Donald, and grandchildren, Isaiah, Lily, Charlotte, Maddox, Richard, Max, and Fin.
Dick is predeceased by his Sister Beverly Heaton Kimball, and sister-in-law Renate Heaton.
Private Interment is taking place at Wildwood Cemetery in March, and a Celebration of Life gathering is planned for April where the family will welcome friends and family to share their memories.
Memorial donations in Richard’s memory may be directed to the WGBH Educational Foundation Attention: GBH Office of Gift Planning and Endowment, One Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135 or via www.WGBH.org/tribute
Information courtesy of Matarese Funeral Home and Cremation Service
