Attleboro Obituary: Richard F. Sargeant

From Duffy-Poule Funeral Home:

Richard F. Sargeant, 82, of Rehoboth, MA, passed away on January 7, 2014.
He was born in Pawtucket Rhode Island on November 5, 1931 to the late William and Helen (Falkner) Sargeant.

Richard graduated from Attleboro High School in 1949 and received a B.S. in Business Administration in 1956 from Babson Institute (now Babson College).

Richard spent much of his career working for the United Way in Attleboro MA (formerly the United Fund) and served as Executive Director from 1971 to 1994. Richard was engaged with many civic and charitable activities and organizations in the Attleboro area.

A past president of the Attleboro Rotary Club, Richard was named in 1982 as the Attleboro Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honor given by that organization (Attleboro Sun Chronicle, May 6, 1982). Richard also served as a director for Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro.
In 1993, Richard was honored as “Person of the Year” by the Attleboro Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber noted Richard’s “benevolence and concern for the welfare of his fellow man” in both his professional and volunteer work. The Chamber said, “Dick Sargeant has earned our respect as a fundraiser, humanitarian, and community leader and he truly deserves be called ‘Person of the Year.’”

In 1994, upon his retirement from the United Way, Richard was toasted and roasted by a long line of community leaders who testified to and praised his dedication to charitable causes (Attleboro Sun Chronicle, April 8, 1994). He was praised for his skills both in finance and administration (Attleboro Sun Chronicle, April 5, 1994). During his 24 years as Executive Director, the United Way exceeded its fundraising targets in all but three years (during severe recessions).
In addition to his tireless charitable work, Richard was an avid hobbyist, collecting classical records, books, and stamps.

He was an active member of the Rhode Island Philatelic Society, the oldest philatelic society in America.

Richard is survived by his wife Lois Fine Sargeant of Rehoboth, MA., as well as two nephews, Brett Sargeant of Florida and Scott Sargeant of England.

Richard is the brother of the late William Sargeant.

The funeral ceremony will be private.

In lieu of flowers if you wish, donations in Richard's name may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church, 104 N Washington St #1, North Attleboro, MA 02760 or the Attleboro Rotary Charities Foundation Inc. PO Box 635, Attleboro, MA 02703.