Richard "Red" D. Brigham

Richard D. Brigham “Red”, 92, of Sterling, MA passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Sterling Villages in Sterling.  Richard was the youngest of three children, born on May 20, 1930, in Worcester, MA to Gladys and Maurice Brigham.  He was predeceased in death by his parents, and two older sisters, Doris Zerrel and Freida Crowley.  Richard is survived by his only daughter and son in law Robyn and Michael Coons of West Boylston, MA, his lifelong friend, Barbara Brigham-Duffy, of Sterling, MA, his niece and her husband, Janet and Bob Hoyle, of CT, and nephew, Ian Cote, of Charlton, MA.  

Aside from his family, Richard’s greatest devotion was to our nation’s armed forces and to the Catholic Church.   He dedicated his whole life to serving our country.  He was so proud of his 38-year military career and was a true Patriot.  Richard initially entered military service in 1949 when he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 187th Infantry Regiment (Rakkasan) during the Korean War.  For his service, he earned numerous Service Commendations and Meritorious Service Medals including two Purple Hearts for his service.  In 1951, Richard “liked the way the Air Force lived” and  enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent another 35 years in service as a power technician and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.  Richard’s faith was unwavering, modeling his life, words, and actions in accordance with his Catholic faith.  He was an active member at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, Sterling, never missing a Mass or Sunday Breakfast there.  Richard was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Richard Council #14940, where he proudly achieved the title of 4th Degree Knight, the highest and most prestigious rank within the Knights of Columbus.  Richard will always be remembered for his sense of humor, easy going spirt, being a wonderful person to have a conversation with and for being a proud Veteran.  Richard will be deeply missed by so many, but our memories together will be forever cherished.

The Rite of Burial with Military Honors will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10:00 am in St. Richard’s of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling, with Father Sebastian officiating.  Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Sterling.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with Shaw and Majercik Funeral Home,Webster.  Guest book can be found at www.shaw-majercik.com where you can post condolences or light a candle.  To send flowers to the family, please visit their floral store.  Monetary donations in Richard Brigham’s name can be made to Project New Hope Worcester, MA www.projectnewhopema.org

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Red" D. Brigham, please visit our floral store.