Richard A. Fuller, 71, of Belchertown, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 14th after a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Just as he dealt with all experiences in life, Dad managed his illness with humor right up until the very end. On his final day, he was surrounded by care and love from his daughters, brother, and sister-in-law.

Born in Northampton, MA to Frederick H. and Jeanne P. (Russell) Fuller, Dad spent his childhood growing up in Pelham and Amherst. He graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1969 with awards in carpentry.

Dad had a strong work ethic that started in his early teenage years. One of his first jobs after graduating from high school was at Gibson/Paige’s Chevrolet in Amherst. He later worked construction for Brown & Southwick, Roberts Builders, and did custodial work at Hampshire College and other local businesses. The job that gave him the most satisfaction was as Maintenance Director of the Amherst Police Department, a job he performed for 22 years until his retirement in 2015.

Dad loved his family fiercely and was loyal to his friends. He was one who helped friends and family without fanfare, which is the way he wanted it to be. He supported several charities over the years, never missing a month. Even weeks before he died, he still made sure his monthly donations were mailed. Dad had a hard exterior and was rough around the edges, but he had a big heart and compassion for others.

Dad is survived by his daughters Jennifer Fuller and fiance Chris Lavalley of Easthampton, Kathryn and husband Jonathan Dias of Greenfield, his brother Stephen and wife Sandi Fuller of Belchertown, niece Ashley and husband Nick Guida of Nashua, NH, and grandchildren Riley Fortin, Colby Fortin, Madison Fortin, and Grace Dias. Dad also leaves his dear friends William Dunn, John Chudzik, Michael Kent, and Michael Sullivan, all of whom spent time with him in his final days. Those by whom Dad is predeceased include his parents, his sister Lynne Anne Fuller, and his baby granddaughter Emma Dias.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Baystate VNA & Hospice for their care and support this last month, especially to his nurse Rebecca for showing great compassion and humor. Dad was also very appreciative and thought highly of his infusion nurses, Tanya and Dianna, at the D’Amour Cancer Center. Our family also wants to thank Dad’s friends, former co-workers, and extended family for showing Dad love, sharing humorous (and sometimes shocking) stories, and most of all, sharing laughs in his final days.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, October 20th from 5-7 pm at Douglass Funeral Home, Amherst.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 22nd from 1-3 pm at the Amherst Brewing Taproom inside The Hangar Pub & Grill on University Drive, Amherst. Our family asks that you bring your best stories to share with us so we can take notes and laugh at all of Dad’s wild adventures.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to one of the following charities that Dad loved and supported:  Empty Arms Bereavement Support, 14 Pine Street Rm 2B, Florence, MA 01062 or Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com