Richard H. Lewis, Jr., 68, of E. Freetown died unexpectedly, Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of Joan M. (Machnik) Lewis, they were married for 31 years.
Born in Acushnet, son of the late Richard H. Lewis, Sr. and the late Ruth (Wilson) Lewis and step-son of the late Adelaide (Perry) Lewis, he grew up in Dartmouth, graduated from Dartmouth High School and lived in Taunton prior to moving to E. Freetown 12 years ago. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, Richard earned his Master’s Degree in Education. An avid reader and lover of the spoken and written word, he was a published author, singer and songwriter. As a member of the local Irish and folk group Shananagans, he touched the lives of many throughout New England with his music.
Along with his loving wife, survivors include 2 sons: Jake R. Blais of S. Hadley, MA and Ian H. Lewis of Acushnet; a brother: Thomas Kennedy of Dartmouth; a sister: Jacquelyn McKeon of Longmeadow, MA; 2 grandchildren: Alexander Blais and Juliette Blais; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service, to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Seamen’s Bethel, New Bedford at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.