Richard R. Clemence

Richard Rees “Dick” Clemence, Chairman of the Board of Hyde Group Inc., passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

Dick was born December 20, 1939 in Southbridge to Robert and Elizabeth Rees Clemence. Dick was born and raised in Southbridge, graduating from Proctor Academy in Andover, NH. He returned to Southbridge where he obtained a Business degree from Nichols College and an Industrial Management degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Dick was a HVAC engineer at MECO Inc. before joining Hyde Manufacturing company for 61 years. Starting as a foreman, then plant manager, to becoming the Chairman of the Board in 2010. During those years, he was a board member of several local businesses including Savers Bank and Harrington Memorial Hospital, the Tri-Community Chamber and United Way. From 1965 to 1985 Dick was a member of the Southbridge Call Firefighters, retiring as a Captain of Hose 1. He spent many years as a member of the Airport Commission and was a director of the New England Helicopter Association.

Dick enjoyed spending time in Marshfield, MA., it was there that he met the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” Brandt on the South River. They were married in 1959 and raised 3 children and 4 dalmatians. Dick and Pat met while enjoying boating, a passion they shared their whole life. Both achieved 100 Ton Captains license’s and enjoyed boating up and down the east coast from Nova Scotia to the Bahamas. Dick and Pat, both rotor pilots, also enjoyed flying their helicopter, taking many trips across the United States or just enjoying a nice weekend flying around the local area.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia Brandt Clemence, his children Bob (Denise), Rick (Regina Payne), Tammy (John Rawls). His 8 grandchildren, Jillian Ciapocha, Janelle (Mike Zuziak), Myron (Courtney), Tarrah (Angel Guzman), Mason Clemence (Katie Dam), John (Jessica), Michael and David Rawls. His 8 great grandchildren, Benjamin, Mina Zuziak, Harrison, George, Vivian Clemence, Taivyn Clemence, Christopher, Riley Rawls. A brother-in-law Richard Hardy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Upham and Elizabeth Walters Rees Clemence, and his sister Sarah Clemence Hardy.

There will be a celebration of life at Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center, 14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge, on Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 4PM to 7PM

Burial Services are private.

PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS AND TREES.

To honor Dick's love for the Southbridge Fire Department, donations may be made to Town of Southbridge, memo Fire Station Building Fund, C/O Town of Southbridge, 41 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA 01550.

Arrangements are being made by Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home 51 Marcy St. Southbridge, MA 01550.