Richard E. Florest 76 of Ashland passed away November 15th in Milford after a period of declining health. He was the husband of Alice (Suereth) Florest. They had been married 54 years. Born in Norwood he was the son of the late Richard and Nellie (Petersen) Florest and had lived in Ashland 26 years. He was employed with the Kennett Corp. in Westborough until 1990 and at the time of his death he worked with the Ashland Dental Labs. He was a veteran serving his country with the United States Army. Besides his wife he is survived by two sons; Richard D. Florest and his wife Kathleen of Franklin, Mark Florest and his wife Kristen of Sutton; one sister; Helen Owen of South Daytona, FL, and four grandchildren. He was the father of the late Raymond Florest and brother of the late Louise Florest. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 19th at 3:00 pm in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, (www.mataresefuneral.com) 325 Main Street in Ashland. Calling hours will be from 1-3 pm prior to service time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the MetroWest Hospice, 85 Lincoln Street Framingham, MA 01702.