Richard G Atkinson

Agawam – Richard “Dick” G. Atkinson passed away Monday, September 13, 2021 in Amherst, MA. Born in Revere MA, Dick was one of seven children of Joseph and Mary (Haumann) Atkinson. After graduating from Revere High School, he served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He then continued his education graduating from UMASS and then Westfield State, where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Education. At UMASS, he was Captain of the Cross Country team. For over forty years, Dick was a Southwick High School Math Teacher. Beloved by his math students, nowhere was his presence felt more than as the coach of the men’s and women’s Track and Cross Country teams. His love of the sport and all the students who participated in it influenced not only those at Southwick High, but runners throughout the Pioneer Valley. Known to all as “Coach” even athletes on opposing teams looked to him for inspiration and guidance. His passion for ensuring that the sport could continue year-round led to the creation of the indoor winter track program in Western Massachusetts. He also coached an over 50 league and coordinated all-comer races throughout the Valley. Dick’s impact will continue for years to come in the Western Mass running community. Family was important to Dick. He enjoyed being with his four children and was their Boy Scout Leader in early years, coached them in their teens, and supported tirelessly through their adulthood. He was a champion and loving support to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Dick enjoyed the outdoors and spending time in his vegetable garden and tending to his blueberry bushes.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Rachel (Gallant) Atkinson, his four sons: Stephen and his wife Katherine of Amherst, David of West Springfield, Michael and his wife Sheryl of Nashua NH, and Kevin Atkinson of Agawam, his ten grandchildren: Steven, Christopher, Lauren, Nicole, Alycia, James, Chandler, Rollin, Richard Wade, and Lane; and great-grandchildren: Kailynn, Annabelle and Jackson; his sister Grace Manfre; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Donna Atkinson, his brothers Henry, Paul and Robert Atkinson; his sisters Loretta Hughes and Barbara Prochilo.
Services for Richard will begin with visiting hours on Sunday, September 19, 2021 from 3:00-6:00pm at Colonial Forastiere Funeral & Cremation on 985 Main Street in Agawam. On Monday, September 20, 2021 at 9:00am at the funeral home, and then travel in procession for a 10:00am Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. John the Evangelist Church in Agawam, followed by burial with military honors in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers in Richard’s name to Smile Train or Southwick Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 838, Southwick MA 01077.