Obituary of Richard Middlebrook

Richard J. Middlebrook, who proudly served in the Air Force for 20 years, passed away after a long illness at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading. He was 79 years old. Richard was born in Providence, Rhode Island the son of the late James and Sarah Middlebrook. He grew up and was educated in Providence. After graduating from Providence High School, he enlisted in the Air Force. He was a career Air Force serviceman spending 20 years and reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. He served from 1952 to 1972 and was stationed all over the United States, in Germany twice, and Thailand. He was a training officer at the Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He spent his final years in the service as a logistics officer at Hanscom Air Force Base. He was the President of the Air Force Sergeant’s Association’s (AFSA) Hanscom AFB Chapter after his retirement from the Air Force. At his discharge, he was the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. After his service, he continued his support of the US Armed Forces through his involvement in the Mount Auburn Post of the V.F.W. and the Burlington V.F.W where he served as Junior Vice Commander. After the Air Force, Richard worked for Nuclear Metals in Concord as a Shipping/Receiving Manager. He also continued his education at Northeastern University where he went to school nights. Richard had seen much of the world and had a wide variety of interest. He was an avid fresh water fisherman. He was a bird watcher and a member of the Audubon Society. He was a member of a Mycological Club (study of mushrooms and other fungi). He was an operatic fan and often went to New York to see the operas. Luciano Pavarotti was his favorite opera star and Richard had the great privilege of meeting Luciano Pavarotti several times. Richard enjoyed camping and was an avid Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots fan. Richard was the loving husband of husband of Mary (Matanza). He was the loving father of Randall J. Middlebrook of Helena MT and the late Joseph Richard Middlebrook and stepfather of Denise Matthews of TX, Nelda Heitzman of TX, Sylvia Castro of TX, John Stephens of Chelmsford, Sandra Murphy of Lunenburg, and Michael Stephens of Kittery, ME. He was the brother of Beatrice D’Ambra of RI, Hope Habenreiser of FL, Lynn Middlebrook of NJ and the late Ruth Rielly and Claire Brady. Richard was also survived by 13 grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.