Richard Reed "Dick" Watson

HOLDEN - Richard Reed “Dick” Watson, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center in West Boylston.

Born and raised in Worcester, Dick was the beloved son of the late Walter and Phyllis (Reed) Watson. Diagnosed at an early age with cerebral palsy, Dick nevertheless thrived and lived a full and joyful life. He spent much of his life with his loving family, moving with his parents to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida in the 1970’s until 2004, when he returned to Holden to live with his devoted sister, Gail, and her husband, Skeels, who cared for him with unwavering love.

Dick is survived by his cherished sister, Gail P. Thompson and her husband, C. Skeels Thompson, of Holden; his sister-in-law, Barbarita Watson of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada; his many beloved nieces and nephews: Jeffrey Thompson and his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Caroline and Julie; Scott Thompson and his wife, Pamela, and their children, David, and Michelle and her husband, Evan, and their daughter, Riley; Todd Thompson and his wife, Emily, and their children, Matthew and Ryan; Robyn (Watson) Lawrence and her husband Bill, and their children Meagan, Jacob, and Stephanie; and Allan Watson and his wife Heather and their children Hannah, Lyla, and Liam; and his many loving cousins and their families.

In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his brother, William Watson; his nephew, Keith Thompson; his niece Alyson Watson; and his nephew Todd Watson.

Dick was a sweet and happy man who instantly brought joy to everyone around him. He loved all of the family’s dogs, especially his beloved Brady. He enjoyed attending Seven Hills Day Program and seeing his friends, participating in activities, creating crafts, singing in the chorus, and attending field trips. One of his greatest pleasures was sharing every detail about his day at Seven Hills and proudly showing off his creations to family and friends.

Dick treasured the memories of his thirty years in Florida: picking grapefruits from his family’s tree, and loving the independence of riding his bicycle around the neighborhood, which gave him newfound confidence, opportunities, and friendships. He enjoyed socializing over board games and card games, family gatherings, and outings such as trips to see the WooSox. Dick also had an outstanding memory and could recall family events from long ago in great detail, along with all the phone numbers of family, friends, and neighbors that he had called throughout his life.

Dick’s family is grateful to the many individuals and organizations that provided him with friendship, support, and compassionate care throughout his later years. In particular; friends and staff from Seven Hills Day Program and Nonotuck Resource Associates, Peter from Thrive Program, Abraham from Elara and Elder Services, the caregivers at Oakdale Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, and Amy, June, and Kelli from HealthAlliance Home Health and Hospice. Your care and support meant so much to Dick and to all of us.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service in celebration of Dick’s life on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main St, Holden. Interment will immediately follow at Grove Cemetery in Holden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to The Seven Hills Foundation, 81 Hope Avenue, Worcester, MA 01603 or to Nonotuck Resource Associates.