Richard W. Cromwell

Richard W. Cromwell, a cherished man known for his kind, loving, and humorous personality, passed away on April 7, 2026. Born on October 13, 1942, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, Richard lived a life devoted to his family and the Freeport community. Richard emigrated to the United States from his small, foggy fishing village in 1964. He later attended the Academy of Aeronautics (now Vaughn College) before his studies were interrupted in 1967 when he was drafted into military service. Following his tour of duty in Vietnam and an honorable discharge from the United States Army, Richard began working at Amperex Electronic Corporation, manufacturing vacuum tubes and semiconductors. During his nearly 20-year career, he served as a shop steward and later as Vice Chairman of Local 463 of the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers (AFL-CIO), before helping to close the plant in 1989. Known for his ability to fix anything, Richard went on to open his own home repair and construction business, which he operated until his retirement. Richard married the love of his life, Lorraine “Jackie” Cromwell, in 1971, and together they built nearly 55 years of marriage and helped raised three children. Having lost his own father in World War II, Richard became a father figure to many. On summer evenings, the sound of his old, heavy wooden garage door opening served as a clarion call to children across a two-block radius, signaling that “Mr. Ricardo’s” shop was open. He spent countless hours teaching neighborhood children how to fix their bikes, while quietly modeling what it meant to be a kind, caring, and upstanding man. In 2009, Richard traveled to the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in Holland to finally pay his respects to his own father. Richard’s sense of service extended beyond his military duty into his community. He was a longtime member and Commander (2000–2002) of the Freeport American Legion, William Clinton Story Post No. 342. He was also a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Freeport (Cornerstone), where he participated in the men’s choir and men’s group and generously contributed his skills to building maintenance. Richard’s presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was predeceased by his parents, Percy Clayton Cromwell and Lillian Beryl (Kelley) Cromwell; his siblings, Clayton Louis Cromwell, Lillian May Cromwell, and Rayetta Joanne (Cromwell) Barry; his sons, David Scott Cromwell and Richard Shawn Cromwell; and his niece, DeAnne (Barry) Adams. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine Cromwell; his children, Mark Jones, Kimberly (Gary) Gaskins, and Lori (Pascal Charron) Cromwell-Charron; his nieces, Wendy Barry, Pam (Dudley Scott) Barry, Janice (Alvin Albert) Barry-Albert, Karen (Sky) McFarland, Nadine (Reyna) Thompson, Elizabeth Cromwell, and Lilli (Gerald Richardson) Cromwell; as well as five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Richard W. Cromwell

October 13, 1942 - April 7, 2026