Richmond E. Clemence

Richmond (Richie) E. Clemence of Southbridge, Mass. passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, February 26, 2024, after a 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born in Southbridge on August 6, 1939, the son of the late G. Harvey, Jr and Dorothy (Douty) Clemence.  He was a loving, caring, kind and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. 

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Althea (Dunham) Clemence, his son, Randall (Pamela) Clemence of Ayer, his daughter, Pamela (H. Patrick) Leaming of Brimfield, and his son, Barry (Joyce) Clemence of Dudley, his grandchildren, Abigail and Anabelle Clemence, Joseph and Jason Leaming and Megan, Alyssa and Nathan Clemence.  He is also survived by his brother, George (Marie) Clemence of Southbridge, his sister, Susie (Robert) Simmonds of Vero Beach, Florida, his uncle, Edward E. (Suzanne) Douty, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richie was born in Southbridge and attended schools there, graduating from Cole Trade High School.  He grew up on the family farm on Clemence Hill where he lived most of his life, built his home and raised his family. He worked on a number of area farms, in construction, at the Southbridge DPW and almost 25 years at the Southbridge Water Supply Co. before retiring in 2002.

Richie and Althea met through the local Grange, where they were active for many years, holding a number of offices.  They enjoyed square dancing as members of the Hayloft Steppers Square Dance Club of Sturbridge, where he served on the Board and made life-long friendships.  Richie was a member of Elm Street Congregational Church, serving as an usher, on the Communion team, helping on the monthly “Simple Suppers”, and taking great pride in the upkeep of the property right up to his passing.

Richie found great joy in fabricating and woodworking, repairing most anything, and tending his yard, flowers and vegetable garden. He and his wife traveled the country, seeing many national parks, Branson and Nashville for country music concerts.  They also took a number of cruises, especially enjoying going through the Panama Canal.  His “happy place” was on his riding lawnmower.  His greatest love was his family.

A Memorial service will be held at 10AM, Saturday, March 2, in the Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street, Southbridge. 

A calling hour will be held in the family room at the church from 9 to 10AM prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Elm Street Congregational Church, Attention: Memorial Funds, PO BOX 723, Southbridge, MA 01550.

An online guestbook and a video tribute are available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com