Richard Suchanek, Sr.
Greenfield, MA – Richard R. Suchanek, Sr., 91, of Harrison Ave passed
away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday 9/3/25, in his own bed with
his head on his own pillow, just as he wanted. He was surrounded by
his loving family who were his caregivers including his daughter
Cherie and her partner Kevin, his brother Tom, Janine Hutchinson and
his great nephew, Cameron Tuttle. Richard was never alone during his
illness and was surrounded by family at all times.
He was born in Greenfield on May 31, 1934, the son of Carl Suchanek
and Winifred “Betty” (Shepard) Pasquale.
Richard was a graduate of Greenfield High School. He served in the
United States Air Force including four years in Active Duty, six years
in the Air Reserves (Active) and the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed
reminiscing about his time as military police in Panama.
Richard was a meat cutter for thirty-nine years at the A&P, where he
was also a meat manager and meat supervisor. Richard was also employed
at Carroll’s Supermarket in Millers Falls and Super Johns in
Greenfield. He retired as a meat inspector for C&S Wholesale in
Hatfield. Richard was employed at Keystone Market in Shelburne until
he was 89 years old.
Richard loved fishing. He was a constable in Gill. He loved anything
John Wayne and watching military movies. One of his favorite pastimes
was visiting Don and Helen at their house in Greenfield every day and
traveling to the Cape with his wife Bev. He lived in his home for
sixty years and at his request never entered a nursing home.
Richard lived with dignity and all the love that he could get. From
his daughter Cherie: “You’re my hero, Dad. This disease was a monster.
I will look on my shoulder, knowing you will be there. There is no
pain anymore. Thank you, Lord. I love you, Dad.”
Among his survivors, Richard leaves a daughter, Cherie McCarthy and
her partner Kevin Woods of Greenfield; a son, Richard Suchanek, Jr.
and his wife Terry of Florida; three brothers, Thomas Suchanek of
Greenfield, Raymond Suchanek of Georgia and Don Hutchinson of
Greenfield; four grandchildren, Janell, Madison, Adam and Josh; five
great grandchildren, Averyella, Landon, Morgan, Anna and Alex; and
several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dog Duke who
stuck by his side and never left him until he passed on 9/3.
Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by his wife, Beverly Ann
Suchanek in 2024; a brother, Ronald “Joe” Suchanek; and sisters, Ruth
“Ginger” Whitney and Helen Hutchinson.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday 9/9 at 10am at the Living Waters
Assembly of God Church, 450 Davis Street, Greenfield. Burial will
follow at Green River Cemetery in Greenfield.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the
Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or
to the American Cancer Society PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.
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