Richard L. Fields

Richard L. Fields, 81, passed away on February 24, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. Born in Baltimore, MD, on July 9, 1943, to the late Herbert and Alma (Corns) Fields, he was a lifelong area resident, having lived in Ludlow for over 50 years.

Richard proudly dedicated over 20 years to serving his country, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. His military career included a 4-year tour in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, followed by many years in the Air Force Reserves, and he ultimately retired in 1991 from the U.S. Air Force as a Gulf War Veteran.

Richard’s professional life included working at Uniroyal before spending many years as a dock worker with Consolidated Freightways in Chicopee. A member of the Chicopee Knights of Columbus, Richard was also an avid vintage car enthusiast. He owned several classic cars over the years, with his beloved 1953 Ford Custom Liner being his favorite. He enjoyed traveling in his cars, often accompanied by his wife.

Richard will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his devotion to providing for his family, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand to others. His sharp sense of humor and playful spirit remained with him until the very end, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at the Veterans' Home In Holyoke for the compassionate and dedicated care they provided to him over the past two years.

He leaves his sons, David Fields and his wife Donna of Ludlow and Christopher Fields and his wife Milagros of Stafford, VA; his grandchildren, Amy, Jacob, Emma, and Anthony Fields; his great-grandchildren, Collyn Desroches, Tallyn LaGrace, Valerie San, and Sophia San; a sister Donna Gadj, along with other extended family members and many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents and also his beloved wife, Maria (Dutra) Fields on March 29, 2024.

Services were held privately for the family at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

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