Richard "Rick" A. Karvonen

Richard A. Karvonen “Rick”, age 77, devoted husband for 42 years of Claire L. (Mowatt) Karvonen, passed away on Monday October 21, 2024, at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, following a brief illness. Born in Quincy, MA, on Monday November 18, 1946, Rick was the son of the late William W. and Florence E. (Simula) Karvonen. Growing up in Fairhaven, MA, he graduated from Fairhaven High School, class of 1964, and continued his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He worked as a project manager and estimator in the construction industry, working on various public works projects, retiring in 2012. A resident of Middleborough, MA for the past 17 years, Rick and his wife Claire enjoyed spending eight winters in Singer Island, FL. A member of the United States Coast Guard Reserves he proudly served his country from 1966-1973 as a petty officer second class. Rick was very proud of his Finnish heritage, and he was interested in his family’s history. Rick loved cars, it started when he owned a 1957 Chevy Belair. He later owned a corvette and belonged to a corvette club. He went to many car shows and won a trophy at one for the best-looking corvette. In the early 80’s he started playing racquetball and belonged to a racquetball club on the Cape. He loved to ski, taking many trips up north with his family. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Fall River Country Club from 1988 until 2007. An excellent cook, Rick liked to host dinners for his family and neighbors. Christmas dinner was a special occasion for his family. Rick was an accomplished woodworker. He enjoyed designing and building furniture and decorative pieces. He recently got involved with making birdhouses and bird feeders which he gave away to family and neighbors. He also made small wooden flags that he donated to first responders and veterans’ organizations. He especially liked to donate flags to the handlers of the canine unit when one of the dogs passed away. In addition to his wife Claire, Rick is survived by his son Chris Karvonen and his wife Elizabeth of Marion, daughter Kim Karvonen of New Bedford, stepson Paul Trask and his partner Carlene Cady of Middleborough, grandchildren Morgan, Taylor, Leigha, Lindsay, Kelsie, and Keira, as well as many nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his sisters Betty Gifford and Lois Grinrod. Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday October 30, 2024, from 4:00-7:00PM, at Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home 280 Bedford Street Lakeville, MA 02347. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rick may be sent to, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.T2T.org.

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