Richard D. Persson

Richard D. Persson, 89, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Born in Springfield to the late Carl and Ruth Persson, he was a proud Air Force Veteran of the Korean War where he served as an aerial photograph reconnaissance intelligence specialist. He worked as a draftsman engineer for Hamilton Standard a division of United Technologies Corporation for 33 years until his retirement.
Richard was a car enthusiast and raced in his younger years and, also enjoyed watching the weather channel and calling his children and grandchildren with updates of what was to come. He would also bring out his world globes and maps to show and teach everyone about geography which was one of his strong points along with being a math genius.
In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife Audrey (Murphy) Persson, three brothers; Ernie, Paul and Norman Persson, sister Dorothy Croft and his cherished grandson Brian Persson who passed away in 2022. He is survived by his three devoted children; Richard Persson (Alys Cross) of Westfield, Linda Salemi (Vincent) of East Longmeadow and Donna Tranghese (John) of Wilbraham, sister Ruth Peppin of Indian Orchard, seven grandchildren; Michael (Jen), Marisa (James), Lindsay (Marcus), Nicholas (Michelle), Taylor (Torrey), Kristina (Kyle), Andrea (Sam) and 14 great grandchildren; Anthony, Nicholas, Sebastian, Ray, Evie, Jake, Drew, Sam, Leo, Myles, Kennedy, Karoline, Kash and Fiona. Richard also leaves his former daughter-in-law, Janice and his lady companion, Lorraine Bunarowski.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 23rd from 12Noon-1PM, concluding with a Prayer Service at 1PM, at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Richard’s Committal Service with Military Honors will follow at 3PM at MA Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.