A Golf-Lover’s Life Remembered: Richard E. Hale, Sr. Passes

Hopedale, MA, September 27, 2025

News Summary

Richard E. Hale, Sr., a beloved figure in Hopedale and a passionate golfer, has passed away at the age of 91. Known for his charm and leadership, he lived a life filled with family, service, and cherished memories on the golf course. Hale’s legacy includes a long marriage, devoted fatherhood, and a joyful presence in the community. A funeral service is scheduled for family and friends to pay their respects and celebrate his remarkable life.

Hopedale, MA — A Golf-Lover’s Life Remembered: Richard E. Hale, Sr. Passes at 91

Fairways and Family: A local legend tees off for the last time

In a story that reads like the back nine of a long, memorable round, the community in and around Hopedale pauses to remember a man who played life with grit, charm, and the occasional hole-in-one for family. Richard E. Hale, Sr. passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. He was 91 years old at the time of his death. The end came after health struggles tied to strokes. The cause of death was stroke-related issues.

From Gardner to the greens of family days

Born on January 16, 1934, in Gardner, MA. He grew up as the son of Leslie and Florence (Slade) Hale. That small-town upbringing included feats on the football field that friends and family loved to retell. He took joy in yard projects and often shared stories about his high school football years in Gardner, where he set several rushing and touchdown records.

Family, service, and working the corporate back nine

His life included a proud period of service. Richard served in the Army for 7 years and attained the rank of Captain. After returning to civilian life he built a steady career. He worked for 20 years as a corporate purchasing agent for Sieler’s of Waltham, MA.

Off the clock he was often the clubhouse raconteur — he was known as a leader and motivator with a gift for gab. That magnetic personality paired well with a devotion to family. Richard was married to Ethel (Federici) Hale for 68 years. Their long partnership produced three children: He had three children: Richard E. Hale, Jr. of Hopedale, Candace L. (Hale) Belley of Rouses Point, NY, and David P. Hale of Milford, MA.

Grand rounds: pancakes, putts, and proud granddad moments

He embraced a granddad’s schedule of pancake breakfasts and weekend miniature golf trips. Richard enjoyed taking his grandchildren out for pancakes and miniature golf. Numbers tell part of the story: He was a loving grandfather to four grandchildren. He was also a great-grandfather to four children. Those family outings were the kind of low-pressure rounds every golf fan knows and loves — just enough competition to laugh about and remember.

Service details: When and where to pay respects

If you plan to drop by to remember him, the arrangements are set. A funeral service is scheduled for 2 PM on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The service location is Union Evangelical Church, 25 Dutcher Street, Hopedale, MA. A reception will follow the funeral service at Willowbrook Restaurant in Mendon. Burial will be conducted at a later date at Hopedale Village Cemetery in Hopedale. For those who want more details, Further information is available online at www.bumafuneralhome.com.

Final putt: A life played with style

As an expert golf writer might say on the back page, Richard’s life had the kind of steady swing that won him rounds off the course: service, steady work, family leadership, and the easy charm that made him the sort of man kids wanted to ride in the golf cart with. Whether he was fixing up the yard, telling a tall high school football tale, or lining up a putt with a grandchild, he left a tidy scorecard full of good memories.

FAQ

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Quick reference table

This write-up carries a bit of the clubhouse vibe — a nod to golf fans who appreciate a steady swing, good stories, and family first. For anyone who admired Richard from the stands or the breakfast table, the details above give clear places and times to celebrate a life well-played.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Buma Funeral Home: Francis J. Cheschi
• MetroWest Daily News Obituary
• Legacy: Carolyn Nafziger
• Milford Daily News Obituary
• Wikipedia: Obituary

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