STURBRIDGE - Richard Louis Volpe, 75, of Sturbridge, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Rich was born in New York, NY, on July 11, 1950, to the late Louis and Mary (Albanese) Volpe. A talented athlete, he loved playing basketball and was named an All-American during his senior year at La Salle Academy, where he was infamously known as “The Man with the Golden Arm.” He went on to graduate from Fordham University in 1972, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business, Management, and Marketing.

Rich began his career as a financial analyst before transitioning to sales in 1979, where he truly found his calling. He spent nearly 20 years at Duracell, followed by roles at Rayovac and later Berry Plastics Corporation, where he worked for the remainder of his career. Rich excelled at building genuine relationships with his clients and was recognized many times for his dedication and success. In 2013, he was honored as Salesperson of the Year in the Engineered Materials Division at Berry Plastics. He retired from full-time sales in 2016 and spent the next decade pursuing his passion for collecting and selling antiques.

Rich loved the simple joys of life: a good drink, a great meal, and meaningful time with the people he loved. He had a deep passion for antiques and could spend hours exploring shops and collections, always appreciating the stories behind old things and the history they carried. In recent years, he enjoyed having a booth at the renowned Brimfield Antique Flea Market. A true Sturbridge resident, he also loved visiting Old Sturbridge Village.

Rich believed strongly in giving back to his community and served the town of Sturbridge on various committees over the years, including the Board of Health, the Historical Commission, the Design & Review Committee, and the Monument Committee. He served as chairperson of the 250th Anniversary Committee and was greatly looking forward to celebrating this milestone with the town.

Rich was a man who never met a stranger. Known for his gift of conversation, he could strike up a chat with absolutely anyone and leave them feeling like they had known him for years. His humor and storytelling made him unforgettable to everyone who crossed his path. He was truly a light in any room he entered.

Family was at the center of everything Rich did. As a devoted sports fan, some of the most cherished memories include attending Holy Cross basketball games and Red Sox games with his children, and bringing his grandchildren to minor league baseball games. It never really mattered what they were doing, as long as he was surrounded by family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, MaryLou (Amato) Volpe, his children and their spouses, Jessica Baker and her husband Chris of Morris, CT, Amanda Volpe and her husband Brad of Ghent, NY; his cherished grandchildren, Norah Baker and Jack Baker; his sister, Lorraine Conte, and her husband Harold of Colts Neck, NJ; his sister-in-law, Nancy Valine, and her husband Rick of Warren, CT; and his beloved niece and three nephews.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to the nursing staff at Harrington Memorial Hospital and for their exceptional and loving care of Rich in his final days. They also would like to extend their appreciation to Brookhaven Hospice for their kindness and contribution to his comfort.

Calling hours and a memorial service will be held on Friday, February 6 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home in Southbridge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Rich to Second Chance Animal Shelter online at secondchanceanimals.org or by mail to 111 Young Road, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.

Arrangements are under the care of Belanger Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA 01550.

An online guestbook and tribute video are available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com