Richard W. Scott, M.D., age 95, of Somers, CT, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Berkshire Place in Pittsfield, MA. From his birth on November 11, 1921, in Springfield, MA, to his death on Saturday, Dick was an inspiration and friend to all who knew him.
Dick was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Hancock, in 2004, and by his brother, Wally, and sister, Norma. Dick is survived by his daughter, Lynne, son-in-law Caleb Harris, son, Rick, and daughter-in-law, Ginger, of Worthington, MA. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, step-grandchild, and step-greatgrandchildren.
Dick graduated from Classical High School in Springfield, from Yale University, and Harvard Medical School, accomplishing each of the last two programs in 3 years. It was during his internship at Boston Children’s Hospital that he met his wife of 59 years, Shirley. He received special training in pediatric surgery and returned to Springfield to practice in 1955. He was the first surgeon in the area to have such training and a good portion of his practice was devoted to pediatrics.
In addition, Dick was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served at the end of World War II. He was an attending doctor at the Newport Naval Hospital and the Cushing Hospital in Framingham, MA. One of the greatest adventures of his life was his service as ship’s doctor on an icebreaker in the North Atlantic.
Dick was an avid fly fisherman, woodworker, amateur astronomer, and prodigious reader. He was a founding member of the Springfield STARS club and served as its president for many years. He designed the optics for the 20-inch telescope that is part of the Springfield Science Museum. He also served as a dedicated volunteer at the museum for almost 20 years.
Although he spent time on many streams in many locations, he loved his home waters of Western Massachusetts the best. Nothing pleased him more than spending a day on the water with a friend.
Although Dick had lived in Somers, CT, since 1969, he was considered an “honorary Hilltowner” by many folks in Worthington and Chesterfield. Dick was an engaging person with many fine stories and jokes that he loved to share with others. Whether patients, family members, caregivers, or friends, many who knew him were touched by his quiet dignity, intellect, and compassion.
A memorial service for Dick will be held on November 11, 2017 at 11 AM at the Worthington Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s memory may be made to Springfield Science Museum, 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA, 01103.