Richard E. Hertzberg, Sr.

Richard E. Hertzberg Sr, age 86, passed away with his loving family by his side on April 28, 2023, at Countryside Health Care of Milford in Milford, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on June 20, 1936, he was the son of the late Axel Ejnar and Florence Harriet (Slaney) Hertzberg. Along with his sister, Nancy, Richard would enjoy his youth growing up in Norwood. 

In 1954 Richard graduated from Norwood High School and began working a number of odd jobs while enrolled in a night program to earn an electricians certificate. Once he received his certificate, Richard took a role as an electrician at the relatively new, but rapidly growing General Dynamics Corporation, where he worked on submarines and would remain with the company for five years. During his time at General Dynamics, Richard would marry the love of his life, Bertha Jean (Altobello) on May 5, 1960, in a church in Dedham, Massachusetts. The newlyweds lived in the Readville neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts before settling into a lovely home in Sharon, Massachusetts in 1963 to raise a family. In the mid-sixties Richard took on another new role in his life when he then became a member of the Carpenters Union of America, Local 535. This career change was the perfect fit for Richard, as he was always tinkering and building, in fact he was such a dedicated wood cutter and builder that he considered starting a company that would build grandfather clocks. Richard was a jack of all trades and a perfectionist, ensuring that whatever he worked on was built right and built to last. He continued to work for Local 535 for the remainder of his career and worked on many exciting projects over the years. One memorable project was  being a part of the building of Schaefer Stadium in Foxboro - the original stadium of the New England Patriots - in the early 1970's. Richard loved his work and took pride in all that he did, including obtaining his Measures and Weights License. At the youthful age of 56, Richard retired and just a few short years later, in 1997, he and Bertha Jean would start a new adventure as snowbirds. The couple sold their house in Sharon, bought a winter home in Saint Petersburg, Florida and took over ownership of a home in Wareham, Massachusetts that multiple generations of his family built together.

In addition to tinkering and building, Richard loved to be on the water and to fish. He especially enjoyed taking walks at the Cape Cod Canal, fishing on the Weweantic River, and later during retirement, watching the dolphins at John’s Pass in St. Petersburg. He shared his love of fishing with his children, and eventually their children as well. Richard continued to tinker and build after retirement as well, always finding something to do and always willing to help someone out. Richard, although kind and helpful, was also a bit of a known prankster, making himself and others laugh often. He was outgoing and had a magnetic personality, so much so that when he moved into the care facility, he would have to find a spot to relax in the common area each day just to have enough room to chat and engage with all of his friends and acquaintances and his "corner crew".

Richard's family would like to express sincere appreciation to Countryside Health Care in Milford and acknowledge the tremendous care that he received while there. Everyone at the facility made a difference by creating a comfortable atmosphere with first class care for Richard for the three years that he called Countryside his home from the kitchen help to the nurses to the support individuals and everyone in between. 

Beloved husband of the late Bertha Jean (Altobello) Hertzberg.
Loving father of Karen L. Rodgers, and her husband, Mark, of West Glover, Vermont, Richard E. Hertzberg Jr., and his wife, Rena, of Franklin, and Paul A. Hertzberg, and his wife, Phalla, of Franklin.
Cherished Papa to Christopher Karoleameas, and his wife, Leticia, of Franklin, Brian E. Hertzberg of Franklin, Samantha Hertzberg of Brookline, Brandon Hertzberg of Charlotte, Brian Haskell of Providence, and Adam Haskell of Franklin and great grandfather to Mason Karoleameas and Jacob Tessier.
Brother of the late Nancy Correia.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Richard's Life Celebration on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will follow at 11:00 AM.  Interment will take place at Rock Ridge Cemetery in Sharon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Richard's name may be made to either the Alzheimer's Association; 309 Waverley Oaks Road Waltham, MA 02452, or Countryside Health Care; 1 Countryside Drive, Milford, MA 01757.