Robert H. Richards, 82, of Millbury and formerly of Auburn, died Sunday, May 26, 2013 at the Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, following a period of declining health.
     Bob was born and raised in Oxford, son of the late Henry and Dora (Fontaine) Richards. He graduated from Oxford High School, and soon after joined the US Navy, serving on the USS Worcester during the Korean War. Upon returning to the area, Bob worked at Wyman-Gordon in Grafton for 38 years. Following his retirement in 1991, Bob volunteered at Old Sturbridge Village and was a member and past president of the Greendale Retired Men’s Club. He enjoyed camping, playing bridge, and traveling. In his younger years he served as a Boy Scout leader, was an avid bowler and enjoyed square dancing. He was a member of the Althestan Lodge of Masons, the Connecticut Valley Consistory, Springfield and the Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix, Worcester.     
     Bob is survived by his wife, Doris A. (Morelly) Goyette; his two sons, Wayne R. Richards and his wife Diane of Holden and Keith B. Richards and his wife Cheryl of Charlton; his daughter, Sharon L. Roberts and her companion Dennis O’Neil of Center Conway, NH; his brother, Brendon Richards of Venice, FL; seven grandchildren, a great granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife of 56 years, Shirley Mae (Parks) Richards in 2009 and by his sister, Gayle Butler.
     Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family on Wednesday, May 29th from 5-8 PM in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 30th at 11 AM in the funeral home, followed by burial with Military Honors in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Bob’s memory be sent to VNA Care Inc., 120 Thomas St, Worcester, MA 01608.