Richard B. Reinertson

Richard Bryant Reinertson (June 23, 1953 – August 6, 2026), father, brother, and friend, passed away in his home in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Richard was born to Velda and James Reinertson in Cocoa, Florida and grew up in Modesto, California. Richard studied psychology at Columbia Junior College and chemistry at Modesto Junior College. He then earned a BS degree in Biochemistry at UCLA. Early in his career, he worked in a lab, held a job writing educational materials, and was a chief editor at Phantom Press. He studied linguistics at the University of North Dakota.

 Richard later went back to school and studied Information Systems and Technology at Orange Coast College. He spent most of his career working as a software developer, including long spans of work with the Department of Children and Family Services in Springfield, Illinois, and with Fidelity Investments in Boston, Massachusetts.

Richard was a Renaissance man. He was independent-minded with a rich sense of humor, and he enjoyed asking big questions and sharing his musings on philosophy, music, politics, and history. He was also deeply interested in the world of spirituality, searching both within himself and within the universe for deeper truths. Richard wrote poetry. He wrote music, including a song which used hundreds of sounds from languages all over the world. He played the guitar and enjoyed swing dancing. He played a sailor in a community theater production of “South Pacific.” He was a handwriting analyst. He took pleasure in woodworking and made several pieces of furniture. He was a lover of art, and he enjoyed books, music, video games, and movies throughout his life.

Richard took pride in supporting his family of seven children. He helped to instill in them a passion for the arts and sciences, and he considered raising his children to be among his greatest accomplishments.

Richard is survived by his children Jessica King, Rachel Joy King, Gordo King (partner Julia Nemtsova), Jeremy Reinertson (partner Lydia Vanderburg), Anna Reinertson, Shel Reinertson, and Melissa Reinertson (fiancé Caolan Croasdell).

He is also survived by his former spouse and mother of his children, Patricia Hatch. In addition, he is survived by his sisters Julie Bogers and Nancy Brizzi.

He will be deeply missed.

Services will be held privately.

The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Reinertson family.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com