Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Richard Gordon Chandler, 76, of Lenox passed peacefully into the hands of our Lord on June 15, 2023 at Fairview Commons where he had resided for the past few months.
Richard was born September 5, 1946 in Agawam, Mass. to Gordon Harold and Ruth Bernice Brown Chandler. Richard’s youth was spent playing baseball from Little League to Babe Ruth. In 1961, Richard became certified as an Eagle Scout by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Richard also received numerous awards for his faithful attendance and active involvement at his church, Agawam Congregational Church. He attended the local public schools of Agawam, graduating from Agawam High School in 1964. While in high school, Richard was inducted into The National Honor Society. Sports dominated his high school years, and he lettered in three sports: football, basketball, and baseball. Richard was well known for his football skills, his Roger LeClere Lineman of the Year award, and his strong rebounding in basketball, and he was described as a stalwart on the varsity baseball team.
In 1964, Richard entered Norwich University in Northfield, Vt. He received a football scholarship for his tenaciousness and skill on the field and played all four years while at Norwich. Richard was commissioned on June 1, 1968 as an officer in the U.S. Army Infantry. The following day, he graduated from Norwich University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
Richard completed two deployments to Vietnam between 1969 and 1973. He excelled in the military, being awarded many medals, badges, commendations, citations, and campaign ribbons. He was honorably discharged in 1974. After completing his active military service, he enlisted in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and served his country for another 23 years.
Richard was employed by the Mass Highway Department – District One, Lenox as a civil engineer for his entire career.
Richard’s life—from a young adult to his last breath—was all about family, country, and God, and he never wavered in that. He was kind, generous, helpful, and always happy and pleasant to be with. Anyone meeting Richard was better for it.
Richard was a member and active volunteer of the Church on the Hill for many years and always volunteered at the summer craft fair alongside Shirley Benson at the crack of dawn to get crafters parked in position in Lilac Park. He played basketball in a Sunday evening men’s get-together for many years. He enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and Celtics. He enjoyed attending races at Lebanon Valley Speedway. For over 40 years, Richard worked out after work at various gyms. But his longest time off was at Berkshire Nautilus only taking time off for two weeks during tax season. He was an avid skier, and Richard and Denise could be found on Berkshire County and Vermont slopes all winter long.
In July 1995 at the age of 48, Richard married the love of his life, Denise Brazie, at St. Ann’s Church in Lenox. They made their home on New Lenox Road in Lenox and they quickly filled their home with English Springer Spaniels.
Richard is survived by his wife, Denise of Lenox; his stepson, Thomas J. O’Brien II of New Hampshire; his brother, Gordon Chandler of Carrollton, Ga.; his sister-in-law, Toni Chandler of Oak Island, N.C.; and his niece and nephew, Emma Chandler Enscore and Josh Chandler. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Ruth Chandler of Lenox, and his brother, Robert Chandler of North Carolina.
The funeral for Mr. Richard Chandler will be held on Friday, June 23 at 11 a.m. at the Church on the Hill in Lenox. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. There will be no formal calling hours; however, the family will greet people at the church at 10:30 a.m. before the service. Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to HospiceCare of the Berkshires in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, Massachusetts 01240. To share memories and stories please visit the funeral home’s website.
