Richard Alden

DUDLEY – Richard (Rick) A. Alden, 51, of 25 Cardinal Drive, died peacefully on Sunday, March 11, 2007, in his home surrounded by his family. Rick was a heart transplant recipient in 1998 and a two-time cancer survivor. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, M. Sharon (Bouthillette) Alden of Dudley; two daughters, Julie L. Alden and Jessica M. Alden, both of Dudley; his mother, Virginia (Boarn) Alden of Auburn; his sister, Jane A. Robinson of Putnam Valley, NY; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, 3 sisters-in-law, 4 brothers-in-law, three nephews and six nieces and an aunt. He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Arthur B. Alden, and lived in Oxford before moving to Dudley 24 years ago. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1973 and graduated with an Associates Degree in Environmental Science from Springfield Technical Community College in 1991. Rick was an environmental analyst for 19 years for the Department of Environmental Protection, first in Millbury at the DEP Training Center and then at the Central Regional Office in Worcester. He retired in 2006 due to illness. Previously, he worked at the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District in Worcester for 12 years. He was an honorary lifetime member of the M.W.P.C.A. Rick was a member of the First Congregational Church in Oxford, and a member and past chairman of the Board of Trustees at the church. He was a former girl's soccer coach for the Dudley Soccer League. Rick especially enjoyed caring for his yard and gardens. He was happiest when spending time with his family, friends and his loving dog Maddie. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2007, at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be at a later date at North Cemetery, Oxford. Calling hours are Thursday, March 15, 2007, from 4-8 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 585, Oxford, MA 01540, or to Brigham & Women's Hospital, c/o Cardiac Transplant Fund, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445.