Richard M. Sandberg, 78, passed away Friday July 22, 2022 surrounded by his family, after complications of Lewy Body Dementia.

Richard was predeceased by the love of his life, and wife of 52 years, Christine M. (Shliapa) Sandberg in 2018. A loss from which he never recovered. He leaves his two devoted daughters, Melissa Haddad and her husband Richard of Hubbardston and Allyson Sandberg Martin of Rutland, his granddaughters Kathleen and Lauren and his grandson Brody. He also leaves his brother Philip Sandberg of Auburn, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Richard, the son of the late Milton and Kathleen (Walsh) Sandberg, was born, raised, and lived his entire life in Worcester where he worked as a Police Officer for 40 years, retiring from the Vice Squad in 2006. He is a graduate of North High School and Anna Maria College in Paxton where he received his degree in Criminal Justice. Richard also served in the United States Army.

Richard was well known amongst his brothers at the Police Department and amongst the people of Worcester, as not only a man of great stature, but as a man with an even greater heart. A man who sought to serve and protect the people of Worcester, as well as sought to serve as a leader, educator, mentor, and friend to everyone he encountered. He was a pillar of the community, many times, assisting the very criminals he took off the streets, to rehabilitation and to bettering their lives. He was known for his love of the job, his keen intuition, his unwavering work ethic, his sense of humor, his detailed storytelling, his ability to never forget the name of anyone he crossed paths with, his love and devotion to his family, and his life long friendships.

Richard was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association, the Massachusetts Association of Retired Police Officers, and Our Lady of the Rosary Parish.

Richard enjoyed fishing, classic cars, listening to the oldies, following the stock market, maintaining the perfect lawn, making his famous Swedish Glogg, Friday breakfasts with his friends, summers on Plum Island with his family, the warm glow of Christmas lights, but most of all, making Christine smile. A legend in his own time, Rich was the epitome of living your best life with no regret, other than leaving it too soon. His passing will forever leave a hole in all of our hearts, and shoes that can never be filled. He will be sorely missed be all.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Richard’s name be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Worcester Police Relief. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please visit Nordgrenmemorialchapel.com.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 from 4-8 p.m. in Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church 25 Fales St. Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, where he will be laid to rest and forever lie beside his beloved Christine.