Correctional Officer Richard Jaquez, age 36, of Pittsfield, died Tuesday, February 25, 2020. He was born in Tarrytown, NY the son of Confessor Jaquez of the Bronx, NY and the late Ana Maria Villa Jaquez.
Initially, Richard attended Fordham Prep School on a full scholarship. He later earned his GED in 2001 and began his military service as a member of the U.S. Army defending our Freedom. A veteran of both Afghanistan and Iraq, he was honorably discharged as an E-5 on October 26, 2007. As an infantryman, he earned the Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Continuing, he was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal as well as the Korean Defense Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Non Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, the NATO Medal and his Combat Infantryman Air Assault and Expert Infantryman Badges.
Following his discharge, Officer Jaquez entered the Western Mass. County Correctional Academy in 2008. Following graduation in October of 2008, he was appointed to serve as a Correctional Officer at the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction under Sheriff Thomas Bowler, a position he had held for the past 12 years.
Adventurous, polite and courteous to a fault, Richard loved to ride his Honda CBR 1000 bike. Very appreciative of everyone and everything, he loved the New York Jets Football team. Strength and fitness were very important to Richard and he went to the gym every day.
He is survived by his three children, Gage Ricardo Jaquez, Anya Villa Marie Jaquez and Aurora Jaquez and by his father, Confessor Jaquez. Richard was the middle brother of his siblings, Ana Maritza, Ines Villa, Wilson Jaquez and Henry Jaquez, all of Sleepy Hollow, NY. Additionally, Richard is survived by Trish Jaquez, the mother of Gage and Anya and his Life Partner, Julianna Roy, the mother of Aurora and his step children, Cicily and Athena, as well as his many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be THURSDAY, March 5th, from 4-7 PM at St. Agnes Church, 489 Main St. Dalton. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be Friday morning at 11 AM at St. Agnes Church with the Rev. Christopher Malatesta, pastor, assisted by the Deacon, the Rev. Mr. George Morrell. Burial will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery.