Richard D. Gow, 89, of Shrewsbury and Eastham, a retired teacher and business owner died on Saturday, February 12, 2022, in Christopher House. He leaves a very close friend and companion Roberta G. Ziegler; a daughter Jennifer Gow; a former wife Virginia Gow; a sister Virginia Larson and her husband Carl Larson, Jr.; 2 nephews and a niece. His son David K. Gow predeceased him.

Mr. Gow was born in Worcester, son of the late David and Mildred (Morris) Gow and lived in Worcester, Holden, and Shrewsbury.

He graduated from Commerce High School, received an Associate in Science Degree from Becker College, Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston University, Master’s Degree from Worcester State University, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Boston University and 30 additional advanced graduate credits from Boston University.

While attending college, he became a member of 2 fraternities- Phi Theta Pi and Pi Omega Pi.

He was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserves for eight years from 1953-1961.

Mr. Gow was a teacher at Tantasqua Regional High School from 1956-1959, and Shrewsbury High School from 1959 to 1994 in the field of Business Education. . He also taught evening adult classes at both high schools and was an instructor of adult education at Salter Secretarial School and Quinsigamond Community College. in the field of Secretarial Studies.

He was an accomplished pianist having been class pianist at Commerce High School, and class pianist for class day activities at Becker College.

He was the owner of RDG Landscaping and had been in business for many years with clients in Auburn, Holden, Shrewsbury, and Worcester.

He had been a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for many years, having served as Treasurer of Wesley Men’s Club, President of the Couples Class, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and had served on many committees and commissions.

He enjoyed biking, skiing, traveling, landscaping, his home on Cape Cod, and caring for his pets.

There are no calling hours. A private funeral and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s memory may be made to any animal shelter.