Richard E. ‘Rick’ DePaulis, 64 of Lowell, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
He was born in Lowell on September 23, 1958 and was a son of the late John DePaulis and the late Ruth (Mullen) DePaulis. He was raised in the Back Central neighborhood, where he attended St. Peter's Catholic school and then graduated from Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical School.
Rick used his learned trade in automotive from GLRVTS to work for local dealerships as a mechanic, before becoming a tow truck driver for a few local companies, and then owning his own tow company Middlesex County Towing. While working these jobs and helping to raise his family he also worked toward numerous certifications including becoming a First Class Fireman through The Peterson School in Woburn, MA. With this hard earned certification (and the certifications that followed) he worked as a boiler operator and machine mechanic for Prince Spaghetti and then BNZ Materials where he was employed for 30yrs. Rick was also a past president of the Steel Workers Union, which he was still a member of. Rick was a lifelong Lowell resident and communicant of the former St. Peter's Church in Lowell.
He was an avid motorcycle rider, previously in the Older Bikers Riding Club NMASS chapter but currently a member of Freedom Cruisers Riding Club chapter 172. Through these clubs he was able to participate in numerous charitable opportunities including dressing as Santa for the S.T.E.P.S. organization, which he LOVED! Rick was also an avid CB and HAM radio operator (N1JEE). Rick was known for his strong work ethic, generous heart, and sense of humor.
More than anything though, Rick was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He tried to never missed an opportunity to show them that.
He is survived by his three children, Randy DePaulis and his wife, Meghan of Dracut, Renee Lefebvre and her husband, Chris of N. Chelmsford, and Alexandra DePaulis of Medford; his grandchildren, Chelsey, Brooklyn, Angelina, Jayson, Vanessa, Andersen, Adrianna, and Antonio; and his great grandchildren, Keidon and Madelynn. He was also lovingly referred to as "Daddy Rick" or "Grampy Rick" as he tried to be a role model and support system to others.
He also leaves behind his siblings, John DePaulis and his wife, Laurie of Nashua, NH, Lisa Smith and her husband, Joe of Belmont, NH, Cathy Supernor and her husband, Don of Dracut, and Mike DePaulis, with whom he resided, of Lowell; and his friend, Paul Rowe who he mentored after meeting through work at BNZ but became like a bonus son to him. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Rick was predeceased by his first wife Susan Schofield-Madigan who he maintained a great friendship with once their marriage ended and the late JoanMary Prescott-DePaulis whom he spent more than 25 years with.
On Wednesday, May 31, 2023 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 4-8pm at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA.
On Thursday, June 1, 2023 his funeral will begin at the funeral home at 10 a.m. followed by his funeral mass at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, 30 Grafton Street, Lowell. Procession will follow for burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, in Tewksbury, MA.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that you consider a donation to the scholarship fund set up in the name of his late nephew Nathaniel "Nate" Fabian Memorial Fund. Contributions can be sent to Enterprise Bank of Lowell, MA, please note "Nathanial Fabian Memorial Fund" on the contribution.
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Images and video of his funeral procession