In the earliest hour of Saturday, April 13, 2024, surrounded by the tremendous love of his family, Richard Weber, 60, gently left this world.

Rich was born in Northampton and raised in Amherst. He recalled summers as a child at his Grandmother’s camp, especially picking blueberries.

He lost his father (William) too early in life, and was raised up by his Mom, Ruth (Harris) Weber alongside his older brother (William/Bill). He enjoyed his childhood in Amherst, working at farms, playing hockey, and finding all the trouble a small town could offer an adventurous young man like Rich.

His first child, Rich Jr, was born in 1982. He spent his years with Rich Jr cultivating in him a love for the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. Rich later married Robin Kellogg and they spent their years travelling to beautiful beaches in Mexico, Florida, and Cape Cod, where you could be sure at least one (but probably several) fishing trips would be included. It was with Robin that Rich was able to purchase his first home on a large parcel of land, and this was an immense source of pride for him.  Rich and Robin later ended their marriage, but not without each being able to fondly recall each other and their time together.

In 1999, Rich married Karen (Grader). Together they would bring two sons into the world, Matthew and Garrett. He loved them fiercely, so proud of all of their achievements. And as we so expected, Rich again spent endless hours teaching his boys to love the outdoors, fishing and hunting. Later in time, Rich added another son to his family. Though not by blood, Nikolas Costa came to share the space in Rich’s heart. Rich loved him as his own. He and the boys found joy and connection in walks through the woods looking for antler sheds, all night coyote hunts in “the shack at the farm”, deer hunting with “all the boys at the farm”, afternoons fishing at “the secret spot”, striper fishing “right at the ledge” and “pulling wire”. He grew in them a love and respect for nature and all its beings, and the stories they can tell are endless! These memories will keep Rich alive in their heart all the rest of their years. Ultimately Rich and Karen dissolved their marriage, but remained steadfast co-parents for the boys, and never truly stopped being a family.

Rich found his most true love and life partner in Teresa (Shields). They divided their time between the beaches and endless summers of Cape Cod, and the warmth of wood fires in the autumns and winters of Shutesbury. Together they enjoyed the outdoors and Rich would often recall their adventures fondly. He loved Teresa madly. She taught him a softer way, growing in him a spirituality that softened his soul and gave him joy. As Rich faced his final battle, Teresa rose up as a warrior. She abandoned all else to be by his side every moment of his journey. She fiercely defended and protected him, and advocated for all of his needs. She held his hand, and his heart, and ensured he knew he was surrounded by love.

In the end, a beautiful gift was granted, and Teresa, Matthew, Garrett, and Nik were there to hold and love him as he passed from this world. Rich leaves behind an amazing group of folks who loved him wholly: his sons, Matthew, Garrett, Nikolas Costa, and Richard Jr; his truest love and partner, Teresa Shields; his brother William and wife Roberta; the mother of his children, Karen (Grader) and her husband Gary Vaughan; Karen’s parents, with whom he remained close, Richard and Marion Grader; amazing friends and extended family including Mark Fabry, and Rich’s band of Merry Men….Matthew, Garrett, Nik, Brayden Burgielewicz, Tucker Beckwith, and Cole Fabry.

Calling hours will be from 4-7 PM Monday April 22, at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst.

We also ask that you join us in a celebration of life at the Northampton Country Club on Saturday, May 4th, beginning promptly at 1pm for a blessing, followed by a luncheon and a toast.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com