Mr. Richard Bayley Lilja 80, of Danvers, beloved husband of Ruth V. (Lewis) Lilja, died Sunday morning, August 18th, 2013 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Bedford after a long illness.
Born in Danvers, he was the son of the late Carl H. and Elizabeth F. (Bayley) Lilja. He was raised and educated in Danvers and was a graduate of the former Salem Vocational High School.
An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Korean War. During his time in the service, Richard served as a Diesel Engineman on Landing Crafts in the Navy. Following his retirement from active, he served in the United States Naval Reserves for 4 years.
Mr. Lilja had been employed in the shipping department of the F.W. Webb Company in Salem for over 20 years until the time of his retirement.
A long time member of the V.F.W. Post # 10 of Danvers, he was also a member of the American Legion Post 180 in Danvers and a member of the Disabled Veterans of America in Peabody. He was the past Commander of the V.F.W. of Danvers and the American Legion Post # 180 in Danvers and the Disabled American Veterans of Peabody. He was the Past District Commander of the V.F.W. Post # 10 and the American Legion Post # 180 both of Danvers.. He was a long time member of the former Calvary Episcopal Church in Danvers. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed.
In addition to his loving wife, Richard is survived by his sons, Richard A. Lilja and his wife Joyce of Danvers, Michael A. Lilja and his wife Elizabeth of Lynn, Ronald E. Lilja and his wife Kimberly of Wrentham and Stephen K. Lilja and his wife Jennifer of Methuen, his ten grandchildren, his four great grandchildren, his sisters, Sharon King of Peabody and Marilyn Jane White of Florida and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Lois A. McIntire.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held in the All Saints Episcopal Church, 46 Cherry St., Danvers (Formerly Calvary Episcopal Church) Danvers Thursday at 10 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hours in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., (Danvers Square) Danvers Wednesday from 4 to 7 P.M... In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Richard’s memory to the Arthritis Foundation, 29 Crafts St. Ste 450, Newton, MA 02158 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.