Richard Bethel, 83, of Hopedale formerly of Mendon passed away Sunday, April 1, 2018 in Milford Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Gail J. (Dudley) Bethel for 59 loving years. He had owned and operated his R. Bethel & Son Landscaping for over 60 years. He was a member of the Massachusetts Tree Warden Association and served as the Hopedale Tree Warden for over 20 years. He was born July 22, 1934 in Augusta, ME to the late Arthur and Evelyn J. (Dunton) Bethel. He graduated from Mendon High School, class of 1952 and received his Associates Degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. He was also a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean War. Richard loved working outside and enjoyed his home in Venice, FL where he spent his winters riding his bicycle. He treasured time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting games was his favorite past time. He had also been an avid Red Sox fan since he was a teenager. Richard was a longtime member of the Union Evangelical Church in Hopedale and the church Bowling League. In addition to his wife, Gail, he is survived by his children, Susan Frappier, Alan Bethel and his wife Jennifer and Tracy Norris all of Milford; his brother Ronald Bethel of Somerset; 2 nephews, Robert Bethel and his wife Betsy of Mendon and Brian Bethel and his wife Maggie of Uxbridge and he was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren, Anne (Frappier) Clemons and Lindsay Clemons, Cassandra (Frappier) Taillacq and AJ Taillacq, Samantha Frappier, Ryan Colin, Shannon, Erin, Logan and Taryn Bethel, Camille, Jessica and Jacklyn Norris. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Leonard Dudley and son-in-law, Gregg Frappier. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 3-7 PM in the BUMA-SARGEANT FUNERAL HOME, 42 Congress St., Milford. Funeral services will be Friday, April 6, 2018 at 2 PM in the Union Evangelical Church, 25 Dutcher St., Hopedale. Burial with full Military Honors will follow in Swan Dale Cemetery, Hartford Ave., East, Mendon. In lieu of flowers , memorial donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. www.bumafuneralhome.com