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Richard Pothier, 62

March 14, 2022

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Richard Pothier, 62, of North Adams died unexpectedly March 14, 2022, while on vacation in the state of Florida.

Born on Jan. 17, 1960, the son of Louis and Mary Pothier, Rich grew up in Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School in 1978. He attended North Adams State College, now Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and later worked there for 26 years as a campus police officer, retiring as a sergeant.

Umpiring baseball was a lifelong passion for Rich. He had a kind and gentle

way of mentoring younger umpires while his strong voice and motions indicated balls, strikes, safe and out calls in more than 3,000 games, including the Babe Ruth World Series in 2016 and the Little League World Series in 2011. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida and Aruba.

Rich is survived by two sisters, his twin, Carol Neumann and her husband, Kevin, of Marblehead, and Jan Wall and her husband, Doug, of Harrison, Maine; a sister-in-law, Mary Pothier, his nephews Jeff Wall, Andy Wall, Chris Neumann, and Brian Neumann, and numerous friends.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Edward Pothier and

John Pothier.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A service and burial for Mr. Pothier will be held at the Waterside Cemetery chapel in Marblehead on Friday, May 6, 2022, at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held in North Adams on Sunday, June 5, from noon to 2 at the Freight Yard Pub.

The Berkshire County Baseball Umpires Association will be presenting a Rich Pothier Sportsmanship Scholarship to a deserving high school baseball player. Donations in Rich's honor may be made to BCBUA, ATTN: Treasurer Jeffrey Meehan, PO Box 141, North Adams, MA 01247.

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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I am so sad to see this. I worked with Rich when he worked at WUPE/WHUN. His show "What's Cooking" was a fan favorite. He was a great guy, I'm sure he will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to his family.
from: Karen Winslow	on: 05-04-2022

Rich was a dedicated officer and sergeant, he was a true professional and gentleman. After he retired, he would often stop by the station to visit with friends and former colleagues and the new officers would have an opportunity to meet the "Old Serge" and share some stories about the old days. From the MCLA Campus Police Family to the extended Pothier Family; our deepest condolences.
from: Dan Colonno - Chief of MCLA Police Department	on: 05-02-2022

I enjoyed working with Rich for over a decade as a Police Officer at MCLA. He was an experienced, dedicated and compassionate Officer. Rich would always talk about his vacations, the casino, Santana and baseball. I am truly sorry for the loss of your brother.
from: Jim Purcell	on: 05-02-2022

We met Rich several years ago at the FYP and have enjoyed hanging out with him most weekends there. We had some great conversations while he enjoyed his “Rich burger” with pickles on the side and can’t forget how he disliked broccoli in his chicken Alfredo. He was kind and such a gentleman and sure loved umpiring. We miss him. We are sending you, his family, our sincere condolences and hope you know what a great friend he was to many here in the Berkshires. May you find peace in knowing that Rich was admired and loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
from: Craig Hadley and Charlotte Avery	on: 05-01-2022

Rich and I worked together for many years at MCLA. He was such a wonderful and caring person. I am deeply saddened to hear of his death. Please accept my sincere condolences.
from: Carl Villanueva	on: 04-30-2022

I remember Rich as a student at North Adams State College along with all the other officers. Rich always displayed a lot of energy and just a great person to have known. I want to give my deepest sympathies to the family. I know it has been over 20 years but I still remember him like it was yesterday. I do not have great vision but you do not have to to see Rich's personality (shines by itself).
from: George M Gogas III	on: 04-29-2022

Rich was a good friend and we will miss his smiling face. He was a true gentleman and one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet. We were grateful to have known him, and will miss his gentle soul. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family as this time of sorrow.
from: Gina Reopell	on: 04-29-2022

Condolences to Carol and whole Pothier clan. Rich was one of the smartest, kindest people I knew especially during our time matriculating at NASC. Rich had a golden voice and an amazingly fast and deep mind for sports and I always believed that he would be a combination play-by-play AND "color" guy for the Bruins and/or Celtics. While he would ha w been a natural for the Sox or Patriots, he excelled at calling the games for the fast-paced sports as he did for his Mohawks at NASC. He was always my go-to guy for any recorded radio production voice needs. Rich also contributed mightily toward the growth of radio station WJJW while at school, serving as General Manager of the station and he taught me to be a better GM when I took the reins. Rich fast became a "local" (despite his sustained north shire dialect/accent) when he stayed on with the campus police and his focus on baseball umpiring gave him immense purpose and joy as seen by all who knew him. His passing was a shock to me and even college friends who hadn't seen him in many years we're immediately saddened. Sail on, Rich.
from: Bruce Whitney	on: 04-29-2022