Richard M. Harwood, 93, died Friday, April 23, 2021 in Harrington Memorial Hospital after a period of declining health. His wife of 54 years, Helen Graf Harwood, MD, died in 2008.
He leaves 3 daughters, Jane E. Harwood and Ann M. Harwood, both of Southbridge, and Attorney Nancy Graf Harwood and her husband Nathan E. Hawkins of Auburn; his beloved granddaughter, Sarah E. Peloquin of Southbridge; a nephew, Harold E. Harwood II and his wife Vickie and a great-nephew, Harold E. Harwood III, all of Southbridge; his deceased nephew John’s wife Nancy Lane Harwood of Wolfeboro, NH and their children Stephen and Maggie; and cousins. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, E. Kenneth Harwood and Laurence E. Harwood, by a nephew, John F. Harwood, and by a niece, Donna Beth Flagg.
He was born on May 17, 1927 in Southbridge, the son of Harold E. and Winifred (Maxwell) Harwood and was a lifelong resident. He graduated as the president of the senior class from the former Mary E. Wells High School in 1944 and later attended Vermont College in Montpelier and earned an Associates Degree from Becker Junior College.
Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in World War II.
Mr. Harwood worked in banking all of his life, first as a loan officer at the Worcester County National Bank in Southbridge, and then for Commerce Bank & Trust Company in Worcester and Webster. He became the CEO of Webster Cooperative Bank in Webster, now Bank Hometown, from which he retired. In “retirement,” he was a substitute teacher especially in mathematics at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley for over ten years.
He was a farmer from his childhood days, tending to the property held by his family since 1789. He relished cutting the lawn, haying, raising animals and his horses.
Mr. Harwood was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Southbridge, serving in various capacities including council member, treasurer and organist. A Master Mason, he belonged to the Quinebaug Masonic Lodge since 1961.
In his town he served on the Southbridge Finance Committee and as a commissioner for Oak Ridge Cemetery for several decades. He belonged to the Southbridge Historical Society and was the treasurer of the bicentennial celebration. He and his wife supported the Quinebaug Valley Council of Arts and Humanities, today known as the Ruth Wells Center of the Arts. He served as treasurer of the State Police Boxing Team for over 30 years. He belonged to the Southbridge Rotary Club and was a life member of the Woodstock (CT) Fair.
His life centered on his family and on maintaining his beloved family farm.
A celebration of his life will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, June 4, at the Westville Recreation Area Park in Sturbridge. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School St., Webster.
Grange Record
- Joined Southbridge #182 in March 1949 and demitted in May 2002 when it closed.
- Joined Charlton #92 in May 2002 and was a member until his death.
- He received a 70 year member award in 2019.