Richard D. Ahlquist.

GRAFTON/NAPLES, FL Richard D. Ahlquist, 88, passed away at home November 14, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jeanne (Ratte) Ahlquist, eight children, Jacquelyn Hart and her husband Bill of Grafton, Richard D. Ahlquist, Jr. and his wife Linda of Naples, FL, Robb Ahlquist and his wife Madeleine of Shrewsbury, Gary Ahlquist and his wife Suzy of Chicago, IL, Melissa Diamantis and her husband Bill of Auburn, Craig Ahlquist and his wife Mary of Hookset, NH, Jennifer Subotin and her husband Goran of San Jose, CA, and Christopher Ahlquist of Auburn. Richard also leaves seventeen grandchildren, Cori Cunningham, Christa Rebidue, Alyssa Keller, Sabine St. Pierre, Bethany Hart, Stephen and Sean Ahlquist, Caitlyn Carolan, Margot Ahlquist, Sam Zeller, Lucy, Greer and Eve Ahlquist, Dustin Perduta, Arrianna Diamantis, and Stefan and Mischa Subotin, along with ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his sister Doris Larrabee, brother Ted Ahlquist and sister Gladys Miller. He was born in Worcester August 7, 1922, son of the late Ruth (Prentice) and Hilding E. Ahlquist. Richard grew up in Worcester graduating from Classical High School. He then attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and joined the US Navy prior to completing his degree. Richard served in the South Pacific during World War II, earning the rank of JG 1 upon his discharge. Following his naval service he completed his studies at RPI, earning a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation Richard worked at Leon J. Barrett Company in Millbury for 40 years serving as its...