The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of former employee Richard Stuart Brereton Sr.
, on February 25, 2023, at Falmouth Hospital, with family by his side, as a result of recent heart complications. He was 86.
Rick was born January 1, 1937, in Stoneham, Mass., to the late Roland and Eva (Gaskell) Brereton. He grew up in Middlebury, CT, and proudly served as Lance Corporal in the US Marine Corps before graduating from the University of New Hampshire.
Rick began his career at WHOI in 1962. During his tenure at WHOI, he held various positions on both the R/V Chain and the R/V Knorr such as an oiler and engineer. He left in 1977. After leaving WHOI, he joined the US Army Corp of Engineers at the Cape Cod Canal to be closer to his family.
Rick was a long-time member and volunteer at the Elks Lodge in Falmouth. He loved his daily trips to Falmouth Harbor, reading, world history, deep conversation and playing trivia with family and friends.
Rick leaves his son, Richard Brereton, Jr. and his wife Denise of Mendon, Mass., and adored grandchildren Julia and Tyler. He also leaves his beloved companion, Barbara Johnson of Falmouth, and her family.
He was predeceased by his wife Emily Brereton, brother Kenneth E. Brereton, and sister Olive (Brereton) Ortlieb. Rick also leaves his cherished sister-in-law Kathryn Brereton, nieces and nephews, Kim, Kenneth (Pam), Karen, Sarah, Scott, Kathy (Mark) and much-loved extended family. He will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17 from 12-2 p.m. at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 584 West Falmouth Highway, (Rt.28A) West Falmouth. Burial will be private.
Information for this obituary is from the Chapman Funeral Home website
