Richard Leonard “Dick” Glidden, age 96, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday May 5, 2021 at All American Assisted Living in Raynham after a short period of failing health. Dick was the loving husband of 49 years to the love of his life, the late Nancy Elizabeth (Tripp) Glidden. Born on Wednesday June 18, 1924 in Middleboro, he was the son of the late Benjamin Kennison and Dorothy (Harris) Glidden. Richard lived most of his life in Lakeville, but grew up in Middleboro and was a graduate of Middleboro High School Class of 1942. Dick joined the United States Navy after High School and went off to Naval Pre-Flight School at the University of Georgia in Athens GA, after which he went to Clinton Oklahoma for further flight training becoming a Designated Naval Air Navigator. He spent most of his time during WWII hunting German U-Boats in the Atlantic and joined the Naval Air Reserve in Squantum MA, right after the war. He was then part of the first group to open the Naval Air Station at South Weymouth MA, where he remained until his retirement from the U.S. Navy after 30 years of service. Dick also graduated from the Naval War College in Newport RI, which led to his promotion to the rank of Navy Captain. Following the war, he attended Bryant & Stratton in Boston, earning a degree in business administration. After which, Dick came home to Middleboro to join the family business A.R. Glidden & Son until he retired in 1993. He became a fixture in the downtown Middleboro retail scene known by all and he cherished those relationships. He was a charter member of one of the first downtown merchant groups and chaired the Merchants Christmas Decoration Committee for many years. Dick was a member of the Naval Reserve Officers Association, American Legion Post 64, VFW, Masonic Lodge, and numerous other organizations over the years. He enjoyed a few hobbies over the years including photography, electronics, genealogy, traveling, and most of all boating for many years on Buzzards Bay. Dick was also a member of Central Congregational Church in Middleboro. Richard is survived by his two sons, Ken Glidden and his wife Donna of Lakeville, Doug Glidden and his wife Jodie of West Wareham, his sister Mary Lou (Glidden) Desmond and her husband Harry of Middleboro, four grandchildren, Ben Glidden, Jessica (Glidden) Dahlstedt, Abigail Glidden, and Emily Glidden, four great grandchildren, Jacob Dahlstedt, Edward Dahlstedt, Kaylee Glidden, and Sabrina Dahlstedt. Richard was predeceased by his daughter, the late Shelby Glidden formerly of Lakeville and his brother, the late Roger Glidden. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews. Visitation for Richard will be held on Monday May 17, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00PM at Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home 280 Bedford Street Lakeville, MA 02347. Following cremation, a graveside service will be held at Central Cemetery, Centre Street in Middleboro,Saturday May 22, 2021 @ 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richards memory can be made to his most cherished charity, The PMC Jimmy Fund @ www.pmc.org or to Compassionate Care Hospice, 100 Myles Standish Boulevard, Suite 103 Taunton, MA 02780.
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