Richard Henry Chetham, formerly of Austin, TX and Somerville, MA, died on October
31st in Waltham, MA. He was born on June 23, 1927 in Somerville, MA to the late
Henry Ripley Chetham and Marguerite Emeline Borns Chetham. Richard graduated from
Somerville High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Army in Adak, Alaska. After
working in several Boston area hospitals as a registered medical and radiologic
technician, he moved to Lubbock, then Austin, Texas where he received a B.A. from
the University of Texas in 1960.
He retired in 1987 as Chief Radiologic Technician at the Student Health Center at
the University of Texas at Austin where he had worked since the 1950s. During his
retirement, Richard became a fixture at Breeds Hardware in Austin, having spent many
years as a customer while working constantly on his beloved house. From 1972 to
1991, Richard provided a wonderful home, company, and care for his mother, who died
at the age of 102. Richard was an avid musician and played the violin with the
Silver Strings of Austin for many years. He enjoyed cooking, traveling (especially
by train), and his friends and family.
He is survived by his nieces, nephews and their spouses: Deirdre Chetham of
Somerville, MA; Rebecca Chetham and Christopher Panzica, Celia Chetham and Stephen
Shenefield, all of Arlington, MA; Susan Howard of Fairfax Station, VA; John
Chetham of Longmont, Paul and Michele Chetham of Denver, and Steven Chetham of
Niwot, all in Colorado. Brother-in-law of Mary Chetham of Northampton, MA and Claire
Chetham of Longmont, CO. Eccentric great-uncle of Charlotte Dale, Abigail Panzica,
Julia and Thomas Shenefield; Rebecca Atkinson, Sean and Megan Howard; Rachel and
Sarah Chetham; Michael, Ryan, and Matthew Chetham. Predeceased by his brothers
Thomas, John, and Charles Chetham.
No services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the Annual Fund of
the New England Conservatory of Music, 290 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 or
http://www.necmusic.edu/give.