Richard David Willett, Jr.
September 5, 1969 – July 10, 2022
Wellesley, MA- Richard “Rick” Willett died on Sunday, July 10th, 2022 after complications from a choking incident at the young age of 52. Rick will live on through the hearts of his loving wife, Beth Anne Willett, and his adoring children Conner and Kaitlyn Willett; parents Dick and Mary Willett; siblings Bryan (Wendy) Willett and Hannah (Chris Dustin) Willett; in-laws Dick and Betty McGee, Michelle (Peter) O’Connor, and Rich McGee; nieces and nephews Samantha and Benjamin Willett; Malia, Aiden and Colin Dustin; Braeden and Jenna O’Connor; and Matthew McGee. As well as several aunts and uncles.
Rick was an avid golfer, skier, hiker, cyclist, and sunset chaser. He had been a long-time figure on the trails at Sugarloaf in Maine, Sugarbush in Vermont, and recently found his happy place in Telluride, CO. His most joyful days were spent with his kids either skiing powder in the backcountry or on the race hill. It was not unusual to find Rick skinning up the trails with his canine pals, Jackson and Corbets, after catching both first and last chair downhill skiing. He enjoyed his rounds of golf with family and friends and was competitive junior golf’s #1 fan. A legendary, animated storyteller, he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. A worldly self-starter, Rick was driven, intelligent, tenacious, and incredibly focused on things that interested him. He leaves a proud legacy in Conner and Kaitlyn, who share his passions, determination, and work ethic.
Rick grew up in Skowhegan, Maine and subsequently graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). There, he met Beth Anne through the club ski team. His pursuit of excellence served him well when Rick joined General Electric (GE) upon graduation from WPI and obtained his MBA from the Lally School of Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). After 11 years and executive leadership roles, he then pursued opportunities in the private equity space aligning with his passion for developing future leaders. Rick also served on the boards of several organizations.
More inspiring than his professional achievements, Rick was committed to making an impact, giving back, and seizing the most of every day, especially after a serious skiing accident in 2005. The last 17 years were a gift that he did not take for granted. Rick constantly challenged himself and those around him in every way. His life’s work enabled him to create environments for his passions to prevail. His philanthropic impact will long be felt through The Willett Family Foundation with beneficiaries including STEM education, adaptive sports, and brain health. Rick was also generous with his time and spirit, never hesitating when called upon to share his insights and experiences to help others.
Rick left this world a better place because he was in it. His sense of adventure and ability to follow the joy will continue to be an inspiration for all that knew and loved him.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) Wellesley on Friday, July 15 from 5-8pm. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Saturday, July 16,at 9am followed by a funeral service in St. Paul’s Church, 502 Washington St., Wellesley at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, we would suggest supporting Rick’s commitment to advancing brain research through Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center https://www.bu.edu/cte/ or Spaulding’s Discovery Center for Brain Injury & Concussion Recovery https://spauldingrehab.org/research.