Vaughn Rist, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on May 6, 2026.

Vaughn was born in Fitchburg, MA on May 12, 1942 to Francis and Eileen (King) Rist. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1964 with a degree in Business Administration. In 1963, he met his lifelong best friend, Barbara (Bobbi). They married in 1965 and went on to have two daughters; Heidi and Lynn. Together, they enjoyed 60 beautiful, memory-filled years of marriage.

Beyond his love for his family, Vaughn took great pride in his career at Spaulding Sporting Goods and Callaway Golf, where he served as the Executive Vice President of Human Resources worldwide. Vaughn was also dedicated to many local organizations. He chaired the United Way campaign in Chicopee and the Chicopee Development Corporation. He served on the Board of Directors for the WestMass Development Corporation and the United Way of the Pioneer Valley. Additionally, Vaughn was a Trustee at Springfield College and a Corporator for Chicopee Savings Bank and Baystate Health. He served as a board member and President of the Tip-Off Classic, as well as the NCAA Division II Basketball Championships in Springfield. Vaughn was an avid sports fan who loved all his New England teams and his weekly rounds of golf at Wilbraham Country Club.

Vaughn leaves his wife, Barbara (Hebert) Rist of Wilbraham; his two daughters, Heidi Schwendenmann (Todd) of Wilbraham, and Lynn Stack (John) of Westport, CT. Vaughn was “Pop” to five grandchildren; Drew Schwendenmann (Stefanie) of Hampden, MA, Michael Schwendenmann of Belchertown, MA, Lauren Stack of New York City, NY, William Stack of New York City, NY and Margot Stack of Westport, CT. He was also a “Great-Grandpop” to his namesake Vaughn Schwendenmann.

Vaughn is also survived by his brothers; Thomas (Dee) Rist, David (Debbie) Rist and Stephen (Sue) Rist. He was predeceased by his brother Peter Rist.

Vaughn’s family is deeply grateful for the care he received at Baystate Medical Center, Life Care Center of Wilbraham and Beacon Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14th from 8:00 – 10:00 AM at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Vaughn’s Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Cecilia Church. A private family burial will follow in Woodland Dell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095 or to the charity of one’s choice.