Richard K. Bates

Richard K. Bates, 79, a lifelong resident of Upton, passed away following a brief illness on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, in Worcester.

Born in Upton, he was the son of the late Oscar and Christine (Whitney) Bates and was raised and educated there. He graduated from Nipmuc Regional High School and proudly served his country in the United States National Guard.

Prior to his retirement, Richard was employed as a supervisor in the manufacturing department at Benjamin Moore Paint. He enjoyed traveling extensively with his family and especially liked traveling to the Caribbean islands. He had a lifelong appreciation for automobiles and especially enjoyed Thunderbirds, Lincoln Town Cars, and Buick Rivieras. His hobbies also included playing cards and coin collecting.

Richard is survived by his sister, Linda Johnson, and her husband, Bruce Johnson, of Millbury; as well as his nieces and nephews, Steven St. Cyr, Candace White, Kevin St. Cyr, Jill St. Cyr, and Ryan Johnson.

He was predeceased by his sister, Beverly A. St. Cyr.

Burial in Maplewood Cemetery, Upton, will be held in the spring, with arrangements to be announced once winter has passed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Asher House, an animal sanctuary, P.O. Box 3548, Salem, OR 97302.