Richard M. Lay

Richard M. Lay of Hanson, MA passed away peacefully September 20 surrounded by his children after a long illness.

Richard was born August 29, 1948 in Sodus, NY to Thelma Howell and Ernest Lay. Prior to moving to Springfield, MA, Richard served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. After basic training, he was assigned to be an engineer on the Pershing Missile System, and he was stationed in Germany. He had the opportunity to travel in Europe during his service and he particularly enjoyed visiting Copenhagen, Denmark. After returning from his military service, he attended Springfield Technical Community College and Western New England College where he studied computer programming and history.

Richard’s education in computer science led him to a career in computer programming and development where he worked in companies such as Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, CT, Coleco Industries in West Hartford, CT, Milton Bradley in Springfield, MA, Infocom in Cambridge, MA and Media Magic in Wellesley, MA. He had a long career in the video game industry working on classics such as the ColecoVision home video game system, Infocom text adventure games, and a series of Curious George video games.

Richard is survived by his children, Jeffrey Lay of North Reading, MA, Jon Lay of Rockland, MA and Timothy Lay of Rockland, MA, his daughters-in-law Kathleen Moulison and Rachel Maguire, and his brother Stephen Lay.

Visitation will be at Quealy and Son Funeral Home, 116 Adams St., Abington, MA 02351 on Tuesday, September 26 from 5-8 PM with a reception to follow at the home of Richard’s son, Jon.  Interment will be private at Massachusetts National Cemetary in Bourne.

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