Richard E Guertin

MONSON - Richard E. Guertin, 83, of Monson, a retired vice-president of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co in Springfield, MA, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023 after a short illness. He began his career at Mass Mutual in the company's mail room, and held several executive positions before retiring as an executive officer.

Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Anna A. (Bastien) and Joseph R. Guertin. He was a graduate of Technical High School in Springfield and Western New England College, now Western New England University in Springfield.

He lived several years in Hampden and also Monson, MA where he was involved in civic affairs. He served on the board of selectman for many years in Monson and for a period of time was the Monson Town Moderator. He was also a longtime member and treasurer of the Monson Arts Council.  For several years he organized the Monson Arts Council’s Holiday Craft Fair -Big MAC.  He also dedicated much of his time to the preservation of the Silver Street Chapel and the House of Art.

During much of his life, he dedicated himself to the study of spiritual matters, and published many articles on the subject.   In his younger years, he enjoyed camping, fishing and surfing and spent a lot of time at the ocean.

His proudest accomplishment was being a father of seven. He leaves his sons, Shawn Guertin and his wife Lisa, Matthew Guertin, Aidan Guertin and his wife Nadirah and Jordan Guertin; his daughters, Tara Guertin and her partner Dwight Sturtevant, Christina Guertin and her fiancée, Travis Moore and Hannah Guertin and her partner, Devin Finnegan; seven grandchildren, Samuel Guertin, Abbe Guertin, Alex Cantor, Delaney Moore, Nasir Guertin, Anisa Guertin and one on the way.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, October 11 from 4-7pm at Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson, MA. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution in Richard’s name to the Silver Street Chapel PO Box 20 Monson, MA 01057.