Richard E. Haines
WW II Veteran and Retired Tewksbury Firefighter
BILLERICA: Richard E. Haines, age 96, recently of Billerica, a former longtime Tewksbury resident, passed away at home in the care of his family and hospice on Saturday, February 12, 2022.
He was the beloved husband of Jane Marie (Flaherty) Haines, who passed away on December 9, 2016.
Born in Tewksbury on December 12, 1925, he was the son of the late Everett S. Haines and the late Elizabeth (Lacy) Haines.
Richard was raised in Tewksbury and attended Tewksbury schools.
In 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He was awarded numerous decorations for his military service including the Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Army Occupation Medal of Germany, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 18 years as a firefighter by the Tewksbury Fire Department and 12 years as a member of the Tewksbury Police Department.
Mr. Haines resided in Tewksbury for over 75 years and was a life member of the Wamesit Masonic Lodge AF & AM, a member of the Tewksbury D.A.V. Post # 110, the Tewksbury American Legion, and the Tewksbury V.F.W. Post # 8164.
Mr. Haines and his late wife resided in Springfield, OH for 15 years, where he was a member of the Yellow Springs Masonic Lodge and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In 2017, he moved to Billerica and became affiliated with the Thomas Talbot Masonic Lodge of Billerica and the Ancient York Lodge of Lowell.
He is survived by two daughters, Miriam I. Haines-Kelleher and her husband William, of Tewksbury, and Carolyn Shine and her husband Michael of Wilmington. He was the brother of Dorothy B. Connolly, of Danbury, NH, Gerald A. Haines, of Springfield, OH, and the late Robert A., Donald F., Frederick E., William “Peter” Haines, Ralph T. and Leonard C. Haines, and Brenda A. (Haines) Bizeur. He leaves many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Calling hours are Friday, February 18, from 9-11 a.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury, followed by his Graveside service at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.