Celebrating the Life of Richard Gloster

Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Richard “Rich” Gloster. Rich was an extraordinarily kind man. His compassion and resilience left an indelible mark on the people in his life. There isn’t a person Rich encountered who didn’t feel better for it. Now, we fondly remember his clever wit, his cheerful demeanor, and how making delicious food for his community was his love language.

Richard’s Journey:

Rich was a resilient man who faced life's challenges with tireless courage. At just 18 years old, he was diagnosed with cancer, but through sheer determination and strength, he put that first challenge behind him. His encounter with cancer only fueled his desire to give back, leading him to participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) six times. In 2017 both of Rich’s daughters Erin and Megan rode alongside him to honor his 60th birthday. In 2022, Rich’s cancer returned, this time diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, but that didn't stop him from riding in the 2023 PMC with his daughter Erin. Each ride was not just a personal triumph, but a testament to his commitment to supporting cancer research so that the next patient’s journey might be smoother than his own. His daughter Erin will continue to ride in memory of him in the 2024 PMC this August.

An Agawam resident, Rich graduated from Agawam High School, Class of 1976. He would go on to culinary school, where he sharpened his kitchen skills before working for a number of prestigious restaurants. First traveling to the Omni Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia before returning home to bolster Chez Joseph and the Federal Hill Club, both in Agawam. But Rich’s talents were perhaps most-appreciated at Alvin’s Sandwich Shop, where his love of homestyle cooking made everyone feel like family at his kitchen table.

Rich’s passion for food became a staple for many of our family traditions. Soon we’d come to expect a delicious pig roast after a graduation, or an elaborate Christmas Eve feast--knowing full well the ultimate treat came in the form of his Christmas morning scones. Even if someone could replicate his recipes to a ‘T,’ without the smile he brought with them, they won’t be quite the same.

Whenever anyone asked how Rich was doing, he would always respond with a smile, "If I was any better, I would be you."

Our Goal:

We are raising funds to support a memorial service that truly celebrates Rich's life and his loving impact on the community. The contributions will go towards:

Memorial Service Expenses:

To organize a beautiful service that brings together all who loved Rich, allowing us to share stories, offer support, and celebrate his incredible life.

Final Resting Place:

To provide Rich with a dignified resting place that his family and friends can visit and find solace.

Support for Rich’s Family: To help ease the financial burden on his family during this difficult time, allowing them to focus on grieving and healing.