Richard Hill Bigelow

Richard Hill Bigelow, 88, of East Dennis, MA passed away on July 4, 2025. Born in Boston, grew up in Newton, resident of Cape Cod for 40 years. He was a graduate of NHS. He also lived in Duxbury, California and Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Harry Hill Bigelow and Helen Anglin Whitelocke Bigelow. He was predeceased by his son John Hill Bigelow. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 63 years, Carolyn May Bigelow, son Brian Whitelocke Bigelow and his wife Amy Bigelow and beloved granddaughter Brooke Hill Bigelow.

Public service was the career path he chose, beginning in 1963 as a police officer in Pottstown, PA, serving in most divisions and promoted to chief of staff services. He also handled the department budget, community relation, training and was a charter member and past President Police Training Officers Association of PA.

Wanting more, he applied for and was hired by the U.S Dept of Justice in the U.S. Marshals services and returned to the Boston area, serving as the assistant supervisor and acting supervisor of the Justice Dept’s “Air Pinery” program at Boston Logan International Airport.

Performing many other duties and responsibilities he was promoted to inspector in the witness protection program being responsible for protection and relocation of many government witnesses as well as protection of many government politicians and public celebrities.

As a veteran he served in the Naval Air Reserve in active and reserved for 8 years under the universal military act. He was stationed at the Old Squantum Naval Air Station, South Weymouth Naval Air Station in Squadron VF- 917 and was later transferred to Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Squadron VS-32, with many cruises on the mother ship USS Leyte CVS 32 and USS Tavawa CVS 40 whose port was Quonset Point.

Continuing his career, he started after retirement Cape Cod Detective and Security Agency in Hyannis, securing many contracts for some of the largest construction projects being built in the area, condominium areas, resorts, nursing homes and manufacturing businesses as well as private investigations.

One construct turned out to be a full-time position with Hy-Line Cruises as security director, a position that lasted 38 years, responsible for security of all vessels, property, locations, customers and their property, many hours working. Training with the USCG Sector Southeastern New England, appointed by the Area Maritime Commander USCG Captain of the sector to the “Area Maritime Security Committee” until his retirement on May 26, 2023.

During his maritime security employment he attended MA Maritime Academy receiving certifications as vessel security officer, facility security officer and company security officer, in addition to several other maritime security training programs. During his career, he successfully attended over 24 law enforcement training schools held by PA chiefs of police, PA Crime Commission, FBI,FAA, Univ Texas, Federal Labartorys, in addition to Ursinus College, Northwestern Univ, Univ of Wisconsin, Federal Training Center Glenco, GA, Lehigh County Community College.

Richard excelled in athletics lettering at Newton High School Football, baseball and track which he pursued by joining the NEAAU and participated in many regional track meets specializing in the discus. He won the UMass Senior relays track 2 times in discus, he was a 2nd place in MA state championship and a 3rd place in the New England championships, he played football for the Quonset Point Naval Air Station team and the base swimming team; and for many years played baseball in the Newtown Twilight league.

During his time with Hy-Line Cruises, he developed an “Active Shooter Survival” program, which was presented to all Hy-Line staff, crew and to the merchants on Straight Wharf on Nantucket, as well as presenting the program to USCG Sector S. E Newland at Woods Hole.

Richard received “Special Achievement Award” from the U.S Attorney General, a commendation from the head of the Justice Department Civil Rights Division. Upon retirement, he received “ Special Commendation” from the Admiral First U.S Coast Guard District, a commendation from the Cape Cod Law Enforcement council, commendation from the Barnstable county sheriff’s department and was fortunate to receive challenge coins from the USCG, Servant Service, Homeland Security and the Presidential Election.

Gone are the days, where he spent in the Forts and West Forks ME area hunting, fishing with his friends of 40 years. Does God allow blazer orange attire in heaven?

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 6-8pm at Doane, Beal and Ames, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis MA 02601. Burial will be private.