Richard J. Fulton

Richard J. Fulton, age 82, passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 8, 2019.  Richard was born in Ware on April 3, 1937, son of the late George and Claire (Miner) Fulton, and was a life long resident of Ware.  He was a graduate of Ware High School in 1955.  Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force on July 31, 1956 and was Honorably Discharged on July 30, 1960 with the rank of Airman 2C. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.  Richard was employed as a machinist for 32 years for Pratt & Whitney.  Richard's true passion and was best known for playing Santa Claus in the Town of Ware for 50 years.  He was selfless and portrayed Santa for the pure love and joy, that it brought to countless generations of children and adults.  Every October-December Richard would don his Santa Suit, sit for picture sessions at Durand's, host a Radio call in, and appear on Channel 15, Santa call in show, visit nursing homes, visit Veterans, appear as Santa for the Massachusetts State Police, and attend local Family and Children's Christmas Party's.  He refused monetary funds for portraying Santa, and if by some chance was given a monetary donation, he in turn, would donate it to the Jubilee Cupboard. Richard was a communicant of All Saints Parish in Ware, and a member of the Ware Knights of Columbus, No. 183.  He leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Lorraine (Hare) Fulton, his loving daughter, Karen MacAllister and her husband Robert, and Godson, Steven Perron and his wife Carol.  Sadly, Richard was predeceased by his two sisters. Richard will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Funeral Services for Richard will take place on Wednesday, August 14, 2019  from the Cebula Funeral Home Chapel.  A Funeral Mass will be offered in All Saints Church.  Burial will follow in New St. William Cemetery.  A Calling Period will be held on Wednesday morning  in the funeral home chapel.   Memorial Donations may be made to Make a Wish Foundation, 181 Park Avenue, Suite 12, West Springfield, MA 01089, or to the Jubilee Cupboard, 20 Park St., Ware, MA.    

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