Richard W. Singer Was Veteran, Avid Sportsman

Richard (Dick) W. Singer of Vineyard Haven and Cape Coral, Fla., formerly of North Dartmouth, died peacefully after a long, courageous battle with cancer, his loving family by his side. He was the husband of Desi (Garbatsky) Singer, to whom he was married for 54 years, and the father of their four children, Miriam A. Cole, Janet R. Maine, Lois A. Ferreira and David M. Singer. He was the son of the late Jack and Ada Singer.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and educated at Pratt Institute in New York city, he was a second-generation owner of Singer Heating Co. Inc., a mechanical contracting firm in New Bedford, established in the 1940s. He retired to Martha's Vineyard in 1979 and served the public as an engineering consultant and a gas and health inspector for the towns of West Tisbury, Vineyard Haven, Edgartown, Aquinnah and Chilmark.

A World War II Navy veteran, he served proudly with the 118th Seabee Battalion in the South Pacific, receiving numerous commendations and an honorable discharge. In the following years he became active in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he served in the capacity of Commander for Flotilla 1-605. Dick was also a 33rd degree Mason with the Masonic Temple and associated with numerous clubs and organizations. In addition, he was a gun collector, fisherman, hunter, an accomplished mariner and talented craftsman who excelled in design and woodworking. As an avid reader, he was admired for his historical intellect.

He is survived by his sons in laws, Arthur A. Cole Jr. and James D. Ferreira Jr. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Lisa Beth Finger, Ethan M. Cole, Elizabeth M. Cole, Jacob D. Ferreira and Katie L. Ferreira. Dick is also survived by his sister, Beverly Zexter. Other relatives include close cousins, sisters in laws, and many special nieces and nephews.

Not forgotten will be a bright, insightful, tenacious man with a witty sense of humor enjoyed by all who knew him. He will be missed with sadness and remembered with love.

In accordance with his wishes, his funeral and shiva will be observed privately. He wished to be cremated and have his remains spread across Vineyard Sound, where he liked to fish so often. Donations may be made to Martha's Vineyard Community Services Inc., your local Hospice organization, the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center or a charity of choice. Arrangements are by the Metz Chapel of Harvey Engelhardt Metz Funeral Homes & Crematory, Cape Coral, Fla.