Richard Earl Agnew

TOWNSEND: Richard Earl Agnew, 78, a longtime Townsend resident passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, after suffering for several years with Lewy Body Dementia. Mr. Agnew was born in Lynn, on May 4, 1944, the son of Earl and Ada (Peddle) Agnew and moved to Townsend 46 years ago. He was a “Jack of all trades”, including automobile troubleshooting and long haul trucking. Before retiring, he worked with special needs children as a van monitor, a job he truly loved. He was a talented artist who enjoyed woodworking and carving, landscaping, campfires and John Wayne movies. Richard used his woodworking skills to build a family home with a barn and gazebo in a yard full of flowers and bird feeders that him and his wife loved so much. His wife, Donna Lee (Flynn) Agnew, died in February of this year. Richard leaves three sons, Jason S. Agnew and his fiancée, Michelle Robichaud of Groton, Jeremy D. Agnew and his wife Karen of Townsend, Richard Agnew and his wife Crystal of Gadsden, Alabama; his daughter, Janelle Dowling and her husband Joseph of Abbeville, SC; five grandchildren, Kaleigh Agnew, Preston E. Andrews, Brooke Costa, Bryttani Garrison, McKenzie Agnew and two great grandchildren. He was the younger brother of the late Barbara Agnew of Lynn. No services will be held. Instead, we hope people will take some time to learn about Lewy Body Dementia, a cousin to Parkinson’s Disease, and second most common dementia after Alzheimer’s, however the most commonly misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia can cause unnecessary suffering due to wrong medications and treatments. Many people suffer for years, and see many doctors before getting an accurate diagnosis. Richard was diagnosed in early 2021after displaying unnoticed symptoms for many years. Please visit lbda.org in memory of Richard. The family would like to express their gratitude to the many kind people at RegalCare at Greenfield who cared for Richard in his final days. Although his time there was short, he was treated with respect and dignity, as an individual. We especially appreciate the knowledge of Lewy Body Dementia that some of the RegalCare staff has, and the humility of staff who eagerly learned about it. The Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main Street, Townsend Center is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements Please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com to leave an online condolence.

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Richard Earl Agnew

May 4, 1944 - April 4, 2023