Richard Suchanek Obituary

Richard Suchanek, Sr.

Greenfield, MA - Richard R. Suchanek, Sr., 91, of Harrison Ave passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday 9/3/25, in his own bed with his head on his own pillow, just as he wanted. He was surrounded by his loving family who were his caregivers including his daughter Cherie and her partner Kevin, his brother Tom, Janine Hutchinson and his great nephew, Cameron Tuttle. Richard was never alone during his illness and was surrounded by family at all times.

He was born in Greenfield on May 31, 1934, the son of Carl Suchanek and Winifred "Betty" (Shepard) Pasquale.

Richard was a graduate of Greenfield High School. He served in the United States Air Force including four years in Active Duty, six years in the Air Reserves (Active) and the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed reminiscing about his time as military police in Panama.

Richard was a meat cutter for thirty-nine years at the A&P, where he was also a meat manager and meat supervisor. Richard was also employed at Carroll's Supermarket in Millers Falls and Super Johns in Greenfield. He retired as a meat inspector for C&S Wholesale in Hatfield. Richard was employed at Keystone Market in Shelburne until he was 89 years old.

Richard loved fishing. He was a constable in Gill. He loved anything John Wayne and watching military movies. One of his favorite pastimes was visiting Don and Helen at their house in Greenfield every day and traveling to the Cape with his wife Bev. He lived in his home for sixty years and at his request never entered a nursing home.

Richard lived with dignity and all the love that he could get. From his daughter Cherie: "You're my hero, Dad. This disease was a monster. I will look on my shoulder, knowing you will be there. There is no pain anymore. Thank you, Lord. I love you, Dad."

Among his survivors, Richard leaves a daughter, Cherie McCarthy and her partner Kevin Woods of Greenfield; a son, Richard Suchanek, Jr. and his wife Terry of Florida; three brothers, Thomas Suchanek of Greenfield, Raymond Suchanek of Georgia and Don Hutchinson of Greenfield; four grandchildren, Janell, Madison, Adam and Josh; five great grandchildren, Averyella, Landon, Morgan, Anna and Alex; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dog Duke who stuck by his side and never left him until he passed on 9/3.

Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by his wife, Beverly Ann Suchanek in 2024; a brother, Ronald "Joe" Suchanek; and sisters, Ruth "Ginger" Whitney and Helen Hutchinson.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday 9/9 at 10am at the Living Waters Assembly of God Church, 450 Davis Street, Greenfield. Burial will follow at Green River Cemetery in Greenfield.

There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or to the American Cancer Society PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.