Richard E. Clapp

Richard Emerson Clapp, 86 a longtime local resident joined the heavenly choir on Tuesday November 29, 2022.

He was born on January 22, 1936 in Leeds, MA to the late Elmer and Maxine Clapp.

Richard was a 1955 graduate of Northampton High School and a proud member of the “seven little pebbles” He was also a graduate of UMASS Amherst receiving an associates degree of science from the Stockbridge school.

Richard joined his parents and his brother Jim (Ida & Charles) to own and operate Sunny Mead Farms, Inc. in Hillsdale until he retired in 2005.

His life was his love of farming and he participated in many organizations that supported farmers. He dreamed of having his own B-Model Mack, the Red Sox winning the World Series and the Giants going to the Super Bowl.

In 1961 he married the love of his life Laurel Baird and together they raised two children, Brian Emerson Clapp and Rebecca Baird (Ronald) Jacobsen. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Hannah Clapp, Michael (Allyson) Jacobsen and Erin (Kyle) Blackburn along with two great grandchildren, Graham Matthew and Emery Reid.

Funeral services will be private with interment in the Hillsdale Rural Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory may be offered to the Roe Jan Food Pantry, PO Box 475, Hillsdale NY 12529 or to any local organization of your choice.