…Tewksbury Water Dept.; 78
TEWKSBURY - Mr. Al Richards, age 78, a well known member of the community, seldom seen without his “signature” bright white Scally Cap, died peacefully on Tuesday morning, February 7, at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington, after a courageous and lengthy battle with Cancer, in the loving care of his family. He was the beloved husband for forty years of Anne Marie (Cadigan) Richards, who died in 2011.
Al was born in Boston, in May , 27 1938, and raised in Charlestown, a son of the late Clarence and Daisy (Richardson) Richards. He lived in Somerville and Reading before moving to Tewksbury in 1974. Al worked at Pierre Shoe in Woburn, where he was a member of Teamster’s Local 25 Warehouse Workers, and retired from the Town of Tewksbury’s Water Department.
Like many Charlestown natives, Al’s heart never left Charlestown, and he maintained his “Townie” heritage throughout his life. Al loved his life, and enjoyed life most when he could share it with friends, at home, at the “Knights,” or on golf trips from Maine to Florida. Al’s trips were never uneventful and the stories, tales, and misadventures from years past, will remain alive through his many friends, today and for years to come.
Al was a Catholic layman, active in St. William’s Parish as a member of the Men’s Club, where he was always willing to “lend a hand” well into his seventies. He was a beloved member and a daily visitor to the Knights of Columbus, Coppen’s Council in Tewksbury, where he served in many capacities, mostly as a cheerleader who could get things done, and inspire others to do the same. He was a member of the Tewksbury-Wilmington Elks, and an avid golfer, well known at the Club House at Billerica Country Club or the Tewksbury Country Club. Al was an unassuming “Pool Shark” and played Eight Ball and Nine Ball Leagues for the K of C and the V.F.W. Al shot pool with a twinkle in his eye and the ability to disarm any opponent for the win, especially if there was a wager on the line. Al’s wagering skills, learned on the streets of Charlestown in his youth, were a hallmark of his life.
He leaves a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen (Burhoe) Gray and her husband David of Tewksbury; two grandchildren, Christopher Gray of Pelham, NH and Keri-Ann Gray-Morley and her husband Charles of Lawrence; sisters, Florence Colangelo of Saugus and Mary Bobreck of Peabody; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joan Ryan, Maureen Francis, Philip Francis, James McGlinchey all of Tewksbury; many nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by sister Marion McGlinchey; brother John Richards; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tim Cadigan, Catherine Homer, James Ryan Frank Homer and Eileen McGlinchey.
Visiting hours Sunday, Feb. 12, from 1:00 until 5:00 in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, Ph. (800 in MA or 978) ?851 2950. His funeral will begin Monday, Feb. 13, at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte. 38) Tewksbury. Burial with Army honors will be in Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St. Tewksbury, MA 01876 will be appreciated. tewksburyfuneralhome.com