Connors, Richard F. “Dick” of Waltham and Green Harbor, went home to be with his God and his parents on Wednesday, June 1. Dick was the son of the late Madeline (Curran) Connors and Robert E. Connors. Brother of Robert and his wife Patricia Connors, Frank Connors all of Waltham and his friend Dot Parkes of Green Harbor. Uncle of Jen and Dave Buxton of Waltham, Michael and Sarah Connors of Wayland, Katie and Dan Rosenthal of Washington D.C, and their families. Dick was born and lived in Waltham and Green Harbor for most of his life. Dick had recently turned 65 and was involved in a family real estate business. A graduate of what was then known as Bentley College, Dick had an interest in international politics that paled in comparison to his intergalactic interest and genuine curiosity about the lives of anyone with whom he came in contact.
The loss of his mother to cancer at age 4, combined with an innately shy - does anyone even use that word anymore - personality and more than his share of youthful angst challenged Dick, but he was blessed with a warm and caring heart, which, unfortunately, could not overcome the decades of damage caused by congestive heart failure, lymphedema and diabetes.
Although Dick was often confined to home and a wheelchair for the later years of his life, he came to symbolize the proverbial armchair traveler. Books, magazines, television and movies became his constant companions. Watching Turner Classic Movies and anything involving people like Orson Welles, John Ford and Preston Sturges became akin to attending a church service. An interest in movies combined with a hobby of dabbling in the stock market, led to a life long dedication to all things related to Coca-Cola, or 'Always Coke' as their model proclaims. Christmas gifts were guaranteed to have a Coca-Cola related theme.
Through these venues, Dick was able to build and share with others an insight into the people and places far outside of his living room and Waltham. His younger brother Frank, fondly recalled that over 40 years ago Dick would drag him to attend silent Charlie Chaplin movies in Boston, a newly released movie called Star Wars and the ultimate trip to Cambridge for a visit by Orson Welles.
As his illness increased, Dick loved to live his life vicariously through the lives of others. Always celebrating their successes as if they were his own. As he grew older, he also enjoyed telling stories about his friends and family and reminiscing about growing up in Waltham and summers in Green Harbor.
Although Dick was never able to go out and leap tall buildings in a single bound, he had a remarkable strength and faith to persevere in a life that was not always fair, or kind to him.
Dick will forever remain in our hearts and be remembered by his friends, home care workers and family for his love, kindness, spirit and wit.
Our thanks go out to these who have assisted Dick on his final journey home to his mother and father. A veritable United Nations of caregivers including Giovana and Ana Carvalho, Carol Peli, Marlene Faria, Imelda Cardona, Faith Chambers, and especially Uli Benoit, Julio and Crisanto Quevedo and his cousins Eugenie Fortin, Mike Connors, Sheila “by the seawall” Colligan. Our thanks also go out to all those who showed any kindness to Dick over the years.
Always the eternal optimist, Dick would not want to end his obituary on a sad note, so go out and buy a lottery ticket today.
Funeral from the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main St. (Rt. 20), WALTHAM on Wednesday June 8, at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass in Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted, 880 Trapelo Rd. Waltham at 10AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours at the funeral home Tuesday from 7-9pm. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.