Richard Scortino, 77, passed away on Sunday April 26, 2020 after a brief illness. A native of Waterbury, CT, Richard enjoyed time spent with his father, Sam, who provided an early education in statistical evaluation via regular trips to many of New England's now defunct horse racing tracks. Richard served his country during the Vietnam War as a Lieutenant in the First Air Calvary Division. Richard's quick wit, willingness to help others and his natural interest in conversing with people earned him a vast circle of valued friends. His best friend, however, was his wife of 50 years, Margaret "Holly" Donohue, whom he met one fateful evening at the Ivanhoe Restaurant in West Springfield in the spring of 1969. Their marriage produced two well-loved children; son, Marc and daughter, Mary Lynn.  Settling in Agawam Richard first worked as a high school art teacher in Bloomfield, CT. Letters from former students found amongst his personal affects stand as testimony to the lasting impact he made upon them. Determined to provide the best life he possibly could for his family, Richard attended night school at Western New England College where he earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Richard enjoyed success as a Business Administrator first for the Berkshire Hills Regional School District and later for the HampdenWilbraham Regional School District. During both of his tenures he was instrumental in stabilizing and reinvigorating the financial health of both districts. Richard's ability to communicate with people of all stripes earned him accolades and ovations once his goals for the community were realized. Richard was an avid history buff who made regular pilgrimages to Gettysburg, Antietam and Normandy to name only a few. Other favorite pastimes included Golf, listening to Opera, collecting and examining old maps and in his later years, simply sitting outside with the sun on his face. In addition to his immediate family, Richard leaves behind wife Holly's siblings (three brothersin-law, two sisters-in-law and 12 nieces and nephews). their spouses and children all of whom he considered his as his own, Daughter-in-law Katie Simlick, Son-in-law David Freedman, Grandson Sam Freedman and Granddaughter Maggie Freedman and his "brother" Dale Williams, of Coatesville, PA and Dale's wife Judy.  A private burial at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam is planned for August 13 ^th . A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Presently and in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Richard and Holly Scortino Memorial Scholarship Fund which will make funds available to students of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative who seek a path towards further education or entrepreneurship. Donations can be made via check made payable to: RICHARD AND HOLLY SCORTINO MEMORIAL FUND and mailed to 4 Cobblestone Drive, Franklin, MA  02038 or electronically via PayPal to: paypal.me/ScortinoMemorialFund For more information or to make online condolences please go to curranjones.com.