Richard Alton Bridgwood

Richard Alton Bridgwood passed away on February 5, 2021 just shy of age 87. Richard lived a full life that included following Jesus, loving his family unconditionally, taking risks, traveling, golfing, reaching for excellence, and possessing an unparalleled work ethic. He leaves a space in his family that can never be replaced. The gift of loving so deeply leaves a chasm of grief.

Richard was born in 1934, the eldest child of George and Alta Bridgwood of Brockton, MA. His childhood gave him the joy of activity and interests, whether playing basketball or golf, caring for his trick pony Bonnie, hanging out with his younger siblings Janet and Fred, or working at his father’s garage. As an adult he was an avid New England sports fan, at home under the engine of a car, first in line for a horse movie (and the first to cry), and the kind of golfer who could not only recount each hole but who equally enjoyed playing with dear friends and strangers.

Richard was a prolific storyteller who gleaned material throughout his life. If you’ve heard any of his tales you were no doubt highly entertained.

Dick graduated from East Bridgewater High School, as the senior class president, in 1952 and went on to study elementary education at Bridgewater State College. One summer, while working on the Cape, he ran into a former high school acquaintance on the beach. Dianne Spear and Dick quickly hit it off and began writing letters. Their courtship and engagement became a treasured family story as was their wedding in 1957. They enjoyed 63 wonderful years together raising three children, traveling, and working in their yards. Their most meaningful decision together was to accept Christ as their Savior in their thirties. It had a profound impact on who they were to become.

Meanwhile, after a few years of college, Richard took a break and entered the U.S. Navy as a Naval Cadet. He earned his wings and call sign “Tricky Dick” and flew all over the world and rounded the Horn as an F8U Crusader fighter pilot off of the USS Ticonderoga and the USS Constellation.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, Richard returned to finish his education at Bridgewater State College where he earned a BS and MS in education. He also continued flying out of NAS Weymouth as a reservist. He was known for making frequent runs down the coast and at the target ship in Cape Cod Bay before pulling up over his parents home in Eastham. His recounting of the time a tourist had illegally climbed onto the target ship as his plane dove at the ship became family lore.

After college, he was hired by the Duxbury school system where he started as a sixth grade math teacher and finished as the principal of the elementary school. He absolutely fell in love with educating kids and helping them achieve their dreams. It wasn’t unusual for him to run into former students and he was genuinely delighted to hear what they were doing. As the head of a school, he was open to new pedagogical practices if they were in the best interests of students. In 1972 he and his family moved to the UK so he could attend the University of London to study the European education system. While there they traveled extensively, visiting Stonehenge, camping on the Rhine, researching Roman artifacts, donkey riding in Majorca, learning to ski in Switzerland, visiting every derelict castle within driving distance, and making lifelong friends with other educators.

After returning to the States, he accepted the position of principal for the Brewster Elementary Schools. At the time the school was housed in what is now the Brewster Town Hall. He oversaw the construction of Stony Brook Elementary, ensuring there were spaces for movement, innovation, and creativity. He was passionate about hiring the best teachers who loved learning and kids. Together they created a warm and happy place to learn. He was known for being exceptionally kind. His school colleagues were like family to him. Fortuitously, his arrival coincided with the hiring of new principals at each of the district town elementary schools. They became a collaborative force and referred to themselves as the four horsemen. Dick retired in 1997 as the Assistant Superintendent in the Nauset District Central Office.

For the next season of his life he embodied a servant’s heart. He volunteered extensively at his church Cape Cod Bible Alliance. He was known to drop everything and help whether it was teaching bible classes, buying bibles for kids at church, supporting kids programs, or being a church elder. Each January he encouraged everyone at church to join him in reading the bible over the course of the year. He also invested many hours into his and Dianne’s home, raising chickens, bee keeping, cultivating a kitchen garden, and growing an award winning rose. Obviously, he played a lot of golf too.

He is survived by his beautiful wife Dianne and their three children and spouses, Joel (and Sarah) Bridgwood, Julie (and Jeff) Kobold, and Alison (and Steve) Trudel. He was the elementary principal for all three, and at 6’4”, was an intimidating presence when they were sent to his office for alleged infractions. These moments made for great conversations for years! His children were known for affectionately rolling their eyes when they heard him say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” He always saw potential in them and believed in them wholeheartedly. His hugs were legendary and will be greatly missed.

He happily encouraged them to pursue their dreams but was tickled pink when they all moved back to Brewster after starting their families. He took great delight that his son went into aviation and his two daughters into education.

He took grandparenting seriously and spent hours praying for them, playing cards, throwing a football, watching movies, and telling stories. He was known for staging impressive puppet shows. He loved that they all went through the Brewster elementary schools. The annual last day of school trip was always celebrated with ice cream and a two dollar bill from Grandpa. He was a huge fan of each one and attended numerous concerts, games, meets, and plays. He leaves nine wonderful grandchildren and spouses-Peter (and April) Bridgwood of Ohio, Adria (and Jon) Thompson of Colorado, Gillian (and Joe) Inkrott of Massachusetts, Madeleine and Grace Kobold of Brooklyn, and Joy, Shepard, Hayden, and Sadie Trudel of Brewster. He was also blessed with four great grandchildren Autumn and Asher Bridgwood, Luke Inkrott, and Bjorn Thompson.

He also leaves his siblings Janet Bagnulo of Farmington, ME and Fred Bridgwood of Myrtle Beach, SC, his brother-in-law Charles Spear of Gulf Breeze, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was the first to raise a glass of champagne to toast an occasion. His family is sad to miss doing this with his extended family and friends. Due to Covid restrictions a private family funeral is planned with the hopes of holding an outdoor memorial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to two of Dick’s favorite things.

A fund to purchase bibles for those who want them may be supported by sending a check to the Bridgwood bible fund at Cape Cod Bible Alliance Church 3600 Main St Brewster, MA 02631. (Make checks payable to CCBAC and write Bridgwood Bible Fund in the memo)

Or contribute to a fund at Stony Brook Elementary School to support innovation and best teaching by sending a check to Bridgwood Stony Brook Gift at Stony Brook Elementary, 384 Underpass Rd, Brewster, MA 02631 (Make checks payable to Stony Brook Gift Account and write Bridgwood in the memo).