In the early morning hours of Saturday, January 2, 2021, Richard D. Diggett, Sr., age 84, of Pawtucket, RI, passed away at Rhode Island Hospital. Richard was born in 1936 in Central Falls, RI to Albert and Blanche (Chenail) Diggett. He was one of nine children. Richard served most of his life as a Propeller Technician in the 143rd Airlift Wing of the Rhode Island Air National Guard. During his 40-year military career Richard travelled all over the world, was activated in Desert Storm, and soon after retired Master Sergeant in 1996. For 20 years, Richard also worked at New England Paper Tube in Pawtucket.
Richard was an avid collector of baseball cards, world stamps, and model trains. After retirement, Richard enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, cataloging his baseball cards and stamp collection, and building model train layouts.
Richard is survived by his five children, Kimberly (Michael) Thompson of North Dighton, MA, Barbara Norton of Pawtucket, Richard Jr. (Cindy) Diggett of East Providence, Lori (Gary) Lapre of Pawtucket, and Carla (Joseph) Ottaviano of West Warwick; his two stepchildren Glenda (James) Mancuso, and Glen James of Pawtucket; his two siblings Barbara (Ralph) Howard, and Norma (John) McCaughy of Pawtucket; former spouse Eleanor (Beattie) Diggett of Cumberland; and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years Marjorie (DeGrass) Diggett, his parents Albert and Blanche, and six siblings Bernard Diggett, Dolores Crawley, Claire Dyson, Francis Diggett, Marilyn Lecomte and Arline Diggett.
Funeral services and burial with Military Honors will be private.