Richard H. Kuehl

WINCHENDON – Richard H. Kuehl, 88, of Shrewsbury, a former long time resident of Winchendon, died peacefully Saturday morning, October 11th at Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Shrewsbury, with his family at his side.

His wife of 63 years and the love of his life, Rita M. (Diotalevi) Kuehl, died in 2012.  He is survived by two daughters, Wendy L. Diamantopoulos and her husband James of Shrewsbury and Doreen I. McCaw and her husband Albert of Fayetteville, NC; his grandchildren, Lee, Dean and Brad Diamantopoulos, Thea Tobin and her husband Thomas Tobin and Sabrina, Adam and Megan McCaw. “Dick” will also be greatly missed by his dear sister-in-law Mrs. Anna Santini, many nieces and nephews as well as a treasured friend of countless Winchendonians.

He was born in Gardner on September 27, 1926, son of the late Henry F. and Edith M. (Richards) Kuehl and was a 1944 graduate of Gardner High School.  Following his graduation, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country during World War II.  He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.  A resident of Winchendon for over 50 years, he moved to Shrewsbury in December 2008 to be close to his family.

Dick worked as a postal clerk in the United States Post office in Fitchburg from 1969 to 1989, when he retired.  He was a life member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion, Lt. Frederick Wilder White Post #2158 VFW and the Winchendon Rod and Gun Club.  Also, Dick was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and the Winchendon Golden Age Club. An avid golfer, Dick was a former member of Winchendon Country Club.

Dick loved fishing, gardening and was a great sports fan, especially following the Boston Red Sox and Patriots. Dick and Rita enjoyed many trips together, including Hawaii, Italy, Las Vegas and Alaska.  Dick especially loved visiting his grand children, watching their sporting events and playing wiffle ball on the beach in Moody, Maine.  “Grampy” will always be remembered for his kindness, patience, unselfishness and courage!

The family would like to thank Dr. John Harrington for his outstanding medical and emotional support throughout Dick’s illness.  They also would like to thank the staff at Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their excellent care.  A “Special Thank You” to Isabelle Moore for her dedication and devotion in helping Dick in his home for many years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, October 15th at 11:30 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.  Burial will follow in Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Tuesday, October 14th from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Memorial donations may be made to Life Skills Experience Club, Wachusett Regional High School, Holden, MA 01520 and  St. Judes Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Expressions of condolence or memories may be written at: www.stone-ladeau.com.

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