Hadley, MA – Richard Stephen Grader, 83, passed away peacefully at home August 12, 2026.
Born August 6, 1943, he was the second son of Louis Grader and Genevieve (Gutowski) Grader. With an everclear vision of right and wrong, he was a champion of justice, an advocate for his community, and if you were lucky enough, a true and loyal friend.
Heading out into the world with a dream of becoming a pharmacist, a combat tour in Vietnam as an Army medic swayed him toward law enforcement instead. He returned to serve on the UMASS Amherst police force, attaining the rank of Sergeant where he received, among other achievements, the Medal of Valor for peacefully disarming a gunman. He went on as Sergeant to Western New England College, where he was integral in developing the department and hiring the campus’ first officers. He additionally spent time at Amherst College where he spearheaded a policy ensuring officer safety in situations where a firearm must be drawn. Throughout his career he specialized in investigating crime scenes, assault and bomb investigations, drug-enforcement, high speed driving, firearms instruction, dive team, and interrogation techniques. The stories he told of these days were full of pride and bravery, but often carried humor too. In fact, we hear he may have crashed and totalled a cruiser or two…but never his fault of course! In the midst of all this, he managed to sneak in several years as the Chief of Police for Hadley. He ultimately returned to this department before retiring. Though he returned as a patrolman, he was affectionately known as “the Chief” by the local community for all his days.
While his loyalty and dedication to his career and community were strong, they were surpassed only by his love for his family. A dedicated father and husband of 58 years, he and his wife, Marion (Webb) proudly raised two children: Karen Grader Weber (Gary Vaughan) and Stephen Grader (Jennifer Potyrala). And if you thought he was proud of his kids, you should have heard him talk about his grandkids! Matthew and Garrett Weber (Karen), Thomas and Elise Grader (Stephen) He was the best Grandpa, quick with an “I love you honey” and always the encouraging mastermind behind their antics! Richard is also survived by his brothers Louis (Susan), Dennis (Cyndee), and sister Elaine (Norman Emond). He is predeceased by two brothers, David (Susan) and Lawrence.
In his best days, he was full of life, always up for an adventure and rarely saying no to anything. He four-wheeled down mountains so steep he held the door wide open in case he had to jump. He shouted along unapologetically to “Sweet Caroline.” He pulled Karen to the dancefloor every time Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” played. He made a tradition of pulling Karen and Stephen out of school on their birthdays for a day-long celebration just with him. Every year. And he and Marion wed within 6 months of meeting each other!
He would always tell us, “If you wanna dance, you gotta pay the fiddler.” In the end, like we all must, he did pay the fiddler. But boy did he dance!
Calling hours will be Friday, August 21st from 4p-7p at Douglas Funeral Service in Amherst. A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 22nd, at 11am at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Hadley, followed by a Celebration of Richard’s life at the Northampton Country Club, beginning at noon, meal at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hadley Police Association in his honor.
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