Richard Pacheco, an only child born after 21 years of marriage, was a remarkable individual with a rich and diverse background. His father, Joseph, was a Portuguese immigrant from Sao Miguel in the Azores, while his mother, Helen, hailed from a Portuguese immigrant family born in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Growing up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Richard attended New Bedford High School, where he laid the foundation for his future pursuits. He went on to marry Mary Jane Sumner and had three children, Joel, Jennifer, and Jonathan, with whom he shared a special bond. After a decade-long marriage, he divorced in 1981 and became the sole custodian of his children.
Richard's academic journey took him to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and later his Master of Fine Arts in printmaking, sculpture, and teaching. Throughout his teaching career, he worked tirelessly to nurture his students' creativity, while also pursuing his own artistic passions.
As a single parent, Richard juggled his responsibilities with remarkable aplomb, all the while maintaining a thriving career as an arts writer and journalist for the New Bedford Standard-Times. He worked for the publication for an impressive 23 years, retiring from teaching in 2003.
Post-retirement, Richard embarked on a new chapter in his life as a professional actor, director, and playwright. He has since acted on stage, in film, and television, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted artist. He is also an accomplished poet, journalist, playwright, fiction writer, and actor, with a profound impact on the world of arts and literature.
Richard's numerous accolades include a Pulitzer Prize nomination for his poetry book "Geography" in 2015 and the best new play award from A.R.T.A. for his play "Swann Song" in 1987. He has also received an award for his arts writing in 1988.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of arts, Richard is listed in the prestigious New York Art Review (1988) as a prominent artist. He is also the proud grandfather of Sean Pacheco, a testament to his enduring legacy as a devoted family man and artist.
