Holcomb, Richard Henry
Brewster - Richard H. “Dickie” Holcomb, loving and beloved husband of Laurie Baker Holcomb for more than 52 years, and father to Laurie Holcomb Ruttan (Jason Ruttan), Heather Holcombjones (Bradford Jones), and Chantel Holcomb, died peacefully at his home on August 22, surrounded by his family. A resident of Brewster, MA and Englewood, FL, and formerly of Granby, CT, he was born in 1945, to the late Henry and Beverly Holcomb. He was predeceased by his stepfather John Collier; stepmother Alma Holcomb; father-in-law William A. Baker; mother-in-law Laura Baker; brotherin-law William B. Baker; and stepsister-in-law Judi Lynn Smith. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren: Elizabeth Beaulieu, Nicholas Beaulieu, Emily Beaulieu (Steve Cove), Savannah Marciezyk, Julia Marciezykholcomb, William Holcomb, Nina Jones, Hailey Jones, Tucker Jones, Jacob Evans, Chase Cove, Hunter Cove, and Grayson Cove. He leaves behind a large family, including his siblings: Sharon Dimmick, Thomas Holcomb, Kathleen Johnson, Mary Keaton, Henry Holcomb III, William Holcomb, Lisa Taylor, Gayle Max, Sheila Shaw, Doug Mcvey, Charlene Mcvey, Carol Redfern, and John Collier Jr.; his stepmother-in-law Margaret Baker; sister-in-law Nancy Poland; brother-in-law Robin Baker; stepbrother-in-law Jeff Stanescki; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends. Richard attended school in Granby, CT, and Merritt Island, FL. He enlisted in the United States Navy for
four years during the Vietnam War, and served as an aerographer's mate on the USS Providence, flagship of the 7th Fleet, under Admiral Thomas Moorer. Richard held a deep love for his country throughout his lifetime. He served as the commander of the American Legion Shannon-shattuck Post 182 in Granby, CT, in the late 1970's.
He was a hardworking man and a dedicated husband, father, and provider for his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. Everyone who knew him will remember him as a great cook and an entertaining storyteller. Even though he was a realist, Richard was generous to a fault, never giving up on anyone. He was a great believer in self-determination, and was always ready to offer caring words of encouragement, as well as financial support, to people who were experiencing hard times. He placed a high value on education. He directed us to
see the good in ourselves and in others, to set goals and pursue them, to make a strong effort, and to never give up. He was a true friend in the deepest sense, and was known to faithfully care for his friends, especially during times of adversity. He tried to do at least one good deed each day. He could often be heard to say, “You have to try and leave this world a little better place than you found it.”
Richard was an outdoorsman and he truly loved the natural world, especially the sea. He spent many years working for Shaw Logging in Granville, CT with his cousin and friend, Charles Shaw. He was a fisherman throughout his life, as a vocation and during his free time. He explored both freshwater and saltwater fishing in New England and Florida. As a youth, he won several fishing competitions sponsored by Field and Stream Magazine. He loved learning, and knew how to enjoy his life in so many ways - traveling all over the United States and the world with his wife Laurie, learning more about ancient and modern history, collecting antiques, exploring museums, and reading literature, nonfiction, poetry, and several periodicals. He enjoyed meeting new friends through his hobbies, which also included gardening, carving and painting duck decoys, beekeeping, and birdwatching.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium www.mote.org, The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History www.ccmnh.org, or The American Legion www.legion.org.