ORANGE- Richard “Rick” Ledford, 75, died unexpectedly at home on Monday, November 15, 2021.
He was born at Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, MA on March 13, 1946, the son of Geneva “Jean” and Charles Ledford. He was a Navy Brat and lived all over the U.S. from Key West, FL to California, but he always considered the Athol/Orange area home.
Rick graduated from Nile C. Kinnick High School in Yokosuka, Japan in 1964. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He received an Associates Degree in Philosophy and History from Cypress Junior College, Cypress, CA and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from NYSU, Regents College. He also attended Fitchburg State College where he pursued a Masters Degree in History. He was a proud member of MENSA.
Rick taught computers at the former CDC in Athol. He worked in the IT department for the Gill-Montague school district and retired from the IT department at Franklin County Technical School.
He was a musician known to the North Quabbin area, guitar player, singer and songwriter. He was the driving force in the local bands Nexus and Highway 61.
He was an assistant football coach at Fitchburg State, Worcester State, Westfield State, Quabbin Regional High School and Northfield Mount Hermon. He coached Athol Middle School Basketball with good friend Joe Farrell for many years. Recently he started coaching his grandson Aiden in Cross Country and Track and Field. He also loved watching his granddaughter Kaia progress as a gymnast. He was so very proud of both grandchildren.
Rick was a devoted N.E. Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and Tom Brady fan. He was a classic film buff and enjoyed “movie night” with good friends Joe Farrell and Charlie Cote. He was a true patriot and cared deeply about the state of the nation and democracy.
Rick leaves his wife of 49 years, Kathy; son Ian Ledford; daughter Jessica Drake; grandson Aiden Drake; granddaughter Kaia Drake; and his beloved dog, Buddy, his palsy-walzy. He also leaves siblings John Ledford, Jeanne Elliot, Kathleen Ledford, Annie Colturi and many nieces and nephews.
There will be calling hours at Witty’s Funeral Home from 5:00 – 6:30 PM on Dec. 2, with a brief blessing to be held immediately following. Masks required.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the MSPCA, PO Box 55130, Boston, MA 02205-5130.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family,
Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERAL.COM
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