Captain Richard P. Toomey, 75, of Whitman, Massachusetts died peacefully on October 27 surrounded by his children.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1946 he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Dunleavy) Toomey.
Richard was raised in Somerville and attended Matignon High School. He graduated first in his class at Mass Maritime Academy in 1967. This was the start of a lengthy and proud maritime career resulting in many adventures at sea as Captain for the Lykes Brothers Steamship Company.
He was married to the love of his life, the late Lorraine (Archer) Toomey for 33 years before her passing in 2006.
He is survived by his children, Nicole Tropeano and her husband Rick of Hanson, his son Christopher Toomey of Whitman, and his daughter Erin Petersen and her husband Ryan of Hanson. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Luke, Olivia and Dean Tropeano of Hanson and Wes and Zack Petersen of Hanson. He was the brother of the late John Toomey and his wife Cindy of Marshfield, the late Robert Toomey of Somerville, Mary Loughnane and her husband Jack of Melrose, and Ann Lahiff and her husband Michael of Melrose. He is also survived by two special sisters-in-law Marjorie O’Kane and her husband Peter of Randolph and Virginia Nye of Whitman, as well as many nieces and nephews and his lifelong friend and accomplice Fred Butler and his wife Janice of Londonderry, NH.
The “Captain” enjoyed many adventurous years at sea before he came ashore to work as a port Captain in Virginia Beach, VA. After his retirement from sea life, he spent many years volunteering his time with the Knights of Columbus and most recently as a Tax Specialist with H&R Block.
He was a stereotypical salty seaman with a dry sense of humor and a quick wit. He was quite the character and his legend will live on.
Family and friends are invited to attend his visiting hours on Sunday October 30 from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman and his funeral service on Monday October 31 at 9:45 AM from the Chapel, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 AM in the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Burial will follow in the Saint James Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Massachusetts Maritime Academy Foundation at 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay MA 02532
Arrangements by the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, for full obituary, online condolences, and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com